Overcoming challenges and adjusting to change: A perspective on Troy Aikman's career

Troy Aikman was born with club feet. He spent his first three years wearing leg braces. Eventually, thanks to good medical treatment, Aikman grew out of the condition. According to medical research, 1 in 1000 newborns are born with club feet. It's an ironic way for a gifted athlete to begin his life. However, it symbolized the need to overcome challenges in life and in sports. Aikman, like all people, has experienced changes and challenges. He has overcome these challenges throughout his life. His life, like all lives, has been marked by change and transition. In the midst of these changes and challenges, Aikman developed his character and personality.

Aikman was born on November 21st, 1966 in West Covina, California. He liked living in California. He liked riding his bike and developed a strong interest in baseball. In fact, his first dream was to become a professional baseball player. He was a pitcher and a shortstop. Initially, he showed little interest in football.

When he was 12, his parents informed him that the family would be moving to Henryetta, Oklahoma. The family would move to a farm and make their living as farmers. After dealing with leg braces as a child, this became the second major challenge of Aikman's life. He did not want to move away from his friends or from the comfortable California lifestyle that he and his family were used to. However, moving to Henryetta, Oklahoma and working on a farm, would be instrumental in developing Aikman's work ethic and character. As a youth, Aikman did not like his daily farm chores. Milking cows and feeding the pigs did not appeal to a young middle school student. However, Aikman respected his parents and learned about responsibility through these daily chores. It's a lesson that would ultimately serve him well throughout his life.

Growing up in Henryetta, Oklahoma helped him to develop as a person. While speaking to a group of high school students in Henryetta in 2012, Aikman told them "The person that I ultimately have become, things that helped me do some things that helped me do some things athletically were really shaped here in this town...I learned about hard work. I learned about integrity. I learned about character. I learned about your word meaning something...In the process of all that it was supported by this wonderful community... There are a lot of good people here." Aikman clearly was appreciative of the role the Henryetta community played in his development as a person. The people in the community helped him to become a good and responsible person - traits that would serve him well in life and athletics.

Aikman's father got his son his first paying job at 13. When he was 13, Aikman's father told him he was going to learn how to weld. He and his father were taught how to weld by a man who had his own welding company. After being trained, both Aikman and his father worked welding jobs for this company. This job was another opportunity for Aikman to develop his character and learn more about life. Eric Celeste, from "D Magazine" says "So began Troy Kenneth Aikman's first paid job. The pattern of early responsibility had been set." Aikman's father introduced his son to a job and another challenge. It was another challenge that Aikman was given. Through hard work and the guidance of his father, Aikman overcame the challenge and learned from the experience.

Aikman decided to play football because it was his father's favorite sport. Aikman did not consider football until the 8th grade when his father told him that tryouts were approaching. Aikman told Skip Hollandsworth of "TexasMonthly.com" that "Deep down inside I wanted to prove that I was as tough as he was." So, his participation in football began. He created and accepted yet another challenge.

Aikman also experienced success off of the field. In 1983, as a 17 year old, Aikman became Oklahoma's high school typing champion. Cheryl Hall, a business columnist for the Dallas Morning News, says Aikman was inspired to take typing class because of a teacher named Jean Froman. According to Hall, "His year older sister, Tammy, was supposed to be their high school's contender. She was the better typist, but she balked at the thought of competitive pressure." So, Troy Aikman went to the competition instead as the school's representative. After the competition was over, Aikman was announced as the state champion.

After high school, Aikman was offered a chance to join the New York Mets as a baseball player. Despite his love of baseball, Aikman decided to accept a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. Coach Barry Switzer offered Aikman a scholarship the first time they met.

Aikman played for the Sooners during the 1984 and 1985 season. However, the offensive style of the team did not suit Aikman. According to Tom Coyne, AP Sports Writer, "Aikman ended up working out of a modified wishbone and never felt comfortable. In his first start as a freshman when the starter was injured, the 17 year old Aikman went 2 of 14 passing for 8 yards with three interceptions as the second ranked Sooners lost 28-11 to a Kansas team that entered the game with a 2-5 record." This must of been a challenging experience for Aikman and the Sooners. It was a rude welcome to college football for Aikman and it all but ended the Sooners national championship hopes.

Despite this initial setback, Aikman began the following season as the team's starter. He guided the Sooners to a 3-0 record before experiencing a season ending ankle injury. The following year, the Sooners were fully committed to the wishbone offense. So, Aikman decided to transfer to UCLA, which implemented a more traditional passing game.

Aikman remained undaunted after his struggles at Oklahoma. Aikman persevered and experienced a lot of success at UCLA. Robby Kalland of CBSSports.com says "Over two seasons at UCLA, Aikman completed 64.8 percent of his passes and threw for 5,298 yards, 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. In 1987, Aikman was named the PAC-10 offensive player of the year as the Bruins went 10-2 with a win in the Aloha Bowl over Florida. In 1988, Aikman won the Davey O'Brien Award as the top quarterback in the nation and was named a consensus All-American while finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting. The Bruins went 10-2 again in 1988, winning the Cotton Bowl against Arkansas to end the season." Aikman led the Bruins to back to back double digit winning seasons. He led them to back to back bowl victories and established himself as the consensus number one draft pick in the 1989 NFL draft. After, a slow start to his collegiate career, Aikman finished strong.

Aikman was drafted first by the Dallas Cowboys. This was a new beginning for the Cowboys. Their legendary coach, Tom Landry, had been fired after 29 seasons. Jimmy Johnson, formally of the University of Miami, was taking over the Cowboys. They were a rebuilding team. Aikman completed his first season 0-11 and was injured for 5 games. It was a difficult season for both Aikman and the Cowboys. Leading a rebuilding team was another challenge for Aikman.

The second season was better for Aikman and the Cowboys. The team was a much more competitive team. Aikman threw for 295 yards against the Los Angeles Rams and 354 yards against the Phoenix Cardinals. Both were victories for the Cowboys. The Cowboys were 7-7 after 14 games and had a chance at the playoffs. A big improvement from the previous season. However, in game 15, Aikman separated his shoulder in a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Without Aikman the following week, the Cowboys lost to the Atlanta Falcons 26-7. The loss against Atlanta knocked the upstart Cowboys out of the playoffs. Aikman finished with 11 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. He also had 2,579 passing yards. The numbers were not great, but it was clear that Aikman was adjusting to the pro game. He was developing his professional abilities and the Cowboys seemed poised to take the next step towards the playoffs.

In his third season, Aikman and the Cowboys would indeed make the playoffs. The Cowboys finished 11-5. Aikman finished with 11 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. It was the first season that he had more touchdown passes than interceptions. He also completed 65.3% of his passes and threw for 2,754 yards. His completion percentage went up each of the first three seasons. Additionally, he threw for more yards each season. Clearly, Aikman was improving as an NFL quarterback. The Cowboys were also improving. However, for the third straight season, Aikman had been injured. He missed four games in 1991. He was ready to return for the Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears. However, coach Jimmy Johnson opted to go with back up quarterback Steve Buerlein, who guided the Cowboys to a 17-14 win at Chicago.

Buerlein started the following week against the Detroit Lions with less success. When the Cowboys were trailing 14-3, Johnson decided to replace Buerlein with Aikman who did not experience any more success than Buerlein. The Lions beat the Cowboys 38-6. The Cowboys could not score a touchdown against the strong Lion defense. Despite the injuries and the playoff loss, it was clear that both Aikman and the Cowboys were improving. The team seemed ready to go deep into the playoffs the next season.

The 1992 season would be a memorable one for both Aikman and the Cowboys. Dallas finished first in the NFC East with a 13-3 record. In 1992, Aikman threw 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He completed 63.8% of his passes and threw for 3,445 yards. He had a quarterback rating of 89.5. It was the most touchdowns and yards of his career.

In 1992, the Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles 34-10 at home in the playoffs. The following week, the Cowboys upset the San Francisco 49ers 30-20. In the fourth quarter of the game against San Francisco, the Cowboys lead 23-20. On the first down play, with everyone expecting a run, Aikman hit wide receive Alvin Harper on a slant route for a 70 yard pass play. It set up a 6 yard touch down pass to Kelvin Martin. The Cowboys advanced to the Super Bowl against the Buffalo Bills.

The Cowboys would beat the Bills 52-17 in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys' defense harassed the Bills into committing a Super Bowl record 9 turnovers. Aikman finished the game with 273 yards and four touchdown passes. He completed 73.4% of his passes and finished with an astounding quarterback rating of 140.7.

In his fourth season, Aikman had lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl championship. Additionally, Aikman was named the game's MVP. His career seemed far removed from the challenges of his rookie season or the disappointment of his time at the University of Oklahoma. Perseverance had been rewarded for both the Cowboys and Aikman.

The Cowboys began the next season with two straight losses. Running back Emmitt Smith was holding out for an increase in salary and the Cowboys could not replace Smith's contribution. Repeating as champions seemed to be a difficult task for the Cowboys. However, after Smith returned, the Cowboys improved their overall play. The Cowboys won 7 straight before they lost two games in a row - including a loss to the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day. However, the Cowboys rebounded by winning their final five games. Despite a slow start, Dallas finished the season 12-4.

In his fourth season, Aikman had one of his best campaigns. He finished with 15 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions. It was the least number of interceptions for a season that he would throw in his career. He completed 69.1% of his passes and he threw for 3,100 yards. His quarterback rating was a career best of 99.

The Cowboys beat Green Bay 27-17 in the divisional championship game and defeated San Francisco 38-21 in the NFC championship game. Aikman completed 28 of 37 passes and threw for 302 yards against Green Bay. He had three touchdown passes and two interceptions against the Packers. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 177 yards against San Francisco. He had two touchdown passes and no interceptions against the 49ers. He left the game against San Francisco with a concussion. It was uncertain if he would play in the Super Bowl, where the Cowboys would once again play against the Bills.

Concussions are dangerous for anyone. They can do permanent damage to the brain and make a person more susceptible to future concussions. To this day, Aikman has said that he cannot recall playing in this game against the 49ers. When he was talking to his agent, Leigh Steinberg, in the hospital, he did not know why he was there. Steinberg explained to him what had happened. Five minutes later, Aikman asked Steinberg the same question.

The NFL is more aware of it's responsibilities towards player safety than it was in the early to mid 1990's. The league is trying to reduce hits to the head and do it's best to protect the players. Additionally, players today are more aware of the dangers of playing football. It is a tough situation that the league and players are going through. The league is trying to be more respectful of the players, as the players weigh the pros and cons of playing football.

Aikman would play two weeks later against the Bills in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Cowboys won 30-13. Emmitt Smith was named the game's MVP. The Cowboys trailed 13-7 at half time, but their defense shut out the Bills in the second half. The Cowboys became the first team to win the Super Bowl after losing their first two games. Aikman finished with pedestrian statistics. He was 19 of 27 for 207 yards. He had no touchdown passes and one interception. This game belonged to the running of Emmitt Smith and the defense of the Cowboys. However, Aikman had an efficient game and provided leadership on the field. The Cowboys had won back to back Super Bowls. Aikman and the Cowboys were both at the top of their profession.

Despite winning two Super Bowls in a row, the owner and head coach of the Cowboys could not get along. Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson parted ways after Super Bowl 28. Both are headstrong people and they were not able to get along any longer. Johnson had built a strong team that could endure the change. However, it was not a change that Aikman favored. Aikman felt that Johnson gave the team a lot of needed discipline. He did not believe that the discipline was as strong under Barry Switzer, the team's new coach.

The Cowboys finished the 1994 season with a 12-4 record and another NFC East title. Aikman had 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He threw for 2,676 yards and completed 64.5% of his passes. He finished with a quarterback rating of 84.9. Once again, Aikman had an efficient year for the Cowboys. Once again, he provided stable and consistent leadership for the talented team. Yet again, the Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders who were expected to go deep into the playoffs.

The Cowboys defeated the Packers 38-9 in the divisional championship game. The Cowboys' defense shut out the Packers in the second half. Aikman finished with 23 completions in 30 attempts. He threw for 337 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Once again, the Cowboys were going to the NFC championship game. For the third time in a row, the 49ers would be their opponent.

The beginning of the 1995 NFC championship game was a disaster for the Cowboys. Due to various mistakes, the team found themselves trailing the 49ers 21-0 after only 7 minutes and 27 seconds of play. San Francisco defensive back Eric Davis intercepted Aikman's pass on the opening drive and returned it for a touchdown. On the next possession, the 49ers recovered a fumble by Michael Irvin which lead to a touchdown pass from Steve Young to Ricky Watters. Finally, Kevin Williams fumbled the ensuing kick off, which lead to a rushing touchdown by William Floyd.

It was arguably the most deflating beginning to a Cowboy game in their history. The dream of an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl championship had seemingly been shattered in just over 7 minutes. The Cowboys outplayed the 49ers the rest of the way. However, the damage had been done. Despite playing well the rest of the game, the Cowboys lost to the 49ers 38-27. The 49ers would go onto win Super Bowl 29 against the San Diego Chargers.

Entering the 1995 season, the Cowboys faced the challenge of getting back to the Super Bowl. They had won two Super Bowls in a row and made it to three consecutive NFC championship games. They were hoping to have a fourth good year in a row and a return to the Super Bowl.

In 1995, the Cowboys finished 12-4 and won the NFC East. Aikman threw 16 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. He completed 64.8% of his passes and threw for 3,304 yards. His quarterback rating was 93.6. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 30-11 in the Divisional Championship game and defeated the Packers 38-27 in the NFC Championship Game. Aikman played well in both games.

The Cowboys defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in Super Bowl 30. Aikman completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards. He had one touchdown pass with no interceptions. He played an efficient game and helped the Cowboys' offense to remain steady throughout the game. However, the Cowboys intercepted three of Pittsburgh passes. Larry Brown was named the game's MVP. Brown intercepted Neil O'Donnell, the Steeler quarterback, twice in the second half. Both interceptions lead to touchdowns for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys are the only NFL team to win three Super Bowls in four seasons. However, the Cowboys have not made it back to the Super Bowl since their victory in Super Bowl 30. The Cowboys would win only one more playoff game with Aikman as their quarterback. 5 years after the victory in Super Bowl 30, Aikman retired at age 34 because of persistent back problems.

Aikman now works as a commentator for football games on Fox Sports. He provides insightful commentary on the game and gives a balanced review of both teams playing in the game. He shows respect for the game and the players, but also points out mistakes that are made by either a specific player or a coach. Aikman brings an understanding of the game to the telecasts.

In 1995, Aikman wrote a children's book entitled "Things Change." It attempts to help young people deal with the changes and challenges that they face. It is an attempt to help young people to overcome adversity.

Aikman's life has faced challenges both on and off the field. Aikman has done his best to overcome those challenges. He has done his best to deal with change and difficulty. Aikman has done his best to consistently persevere through struggles and change. Adjustments and struggles are never easy. However, with perseverance and steadfastness , anyone can overcome challenges.
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The Rock's father and grandfather helped pave the way for his successfull wrestling career

Dwayne Johnson, aka "The Rock" is a third generation wrestler. His father, Rocky Johnson, and his grandfather, Chief Peter Maiva were professional wrestlers. "The Rock" continued the family tradition and became the most successful wrestler in his family. However, his father and grandfather were arguably just as talented.

Rocky Johnson, the Rock's father, had many skills has a wrestler. He could beat his opponent in different ways. He was a fan favorite, and was considered a scientific wrestler. However, he could brawl with his opponent if he needed to. Johnson was a body builder who possessed outstanding strength and agility.

Johnson had a repertoire of effective wrestling moves. Johnson could implement an arm drag take down or use a high toss to escape a lock. At times, he beat his opponent with a hip toss, a drop kick or a body slam. Other times, he won with a back body drop or a sunset flip. Drop kicks or the full Boston crab were often his finishing moves.

Johnson and Tony Atlas won the World Wrestling championship over the Wild Somoan brothers. The match went back and forth between the two teams. The Somoan brothers, Afa and Sikka, were managed by Captain Lou Albano, who consented to the match under the condition that neither side could be disqualified. Albano tried numerous times to interfere with the match. While one of the Wild Somoan brothers held Atlas, Albano tried to hit Atlas with a chair. At the last minute, Atlas maneuvered out of the hold, and Albano inadvertently hit the Somoan brother with the chair, which knocked him to the canvas. Atlas proceeded to pin the Somoan brother, which gave Atlas and Johnson the tag team championship. This is one of the highlights of Atlas and Johnson's career.

Rocky Johnson said that he knew that his son would be a good wrestler. Johnson said "It was in his blood. I was a wrestler. His grandfather was a wrestler and he played football, and he said "My love is wrestling.'I said ok, I'll train you." Johnson said he knew his son would be a star because when he came home from breaks in college, he always wanted to train.


Chief Peter Maivia is sometimes overlooked. Since he wrestled in the 1970s and early 1980's many wrestling observers do not know much about him. However, he had a very successful and interesting career. maivia's bio on the WWE website states that "while the third generation of that family-The Rock- is the most well known, it all started with his grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia." His bio states that Maivia "quickly took to his profession, winning numerous championships in the South Pacific and Hawaii before finally coming to the Unites States in 1970." Maivia experienced success as a tag team wrestler and as an individual wrestler.

After experiencing great success in San Francisco and Los Angeles,Maivia wrestled in Texas before he joined the WWE in the late 1970's. His WWE bio states that in the WWE Maivia wrestled (Superstar) Billy Graham for the WWE championship while he formed "a successful tandem with Bob Backlund." Maivia also helped train Graham, Wild Somoan Afa and Rocky Johnson- his future son in law.

In 2008 Chief Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Both inductions began with a speech from The Rock. Maivia was inducted posthumously because he died in 1982. Rocky Johnson received his induction and gave an acceptance speech.

The Rock spoke about his grandfather with sincerity. Regarding Maivia, the Rock said "He was many things to many people, but to my family he was everything." During the induction a brief clip of Maivia was shown to the audience. Several wrestlers discussed Maivia's contribution to professional wrestling. During the clip, the Rock said "My grandfather was the first Somoan wrestler to become known on a world wide basis." The Rock continued by saying that Maivia had a "magnetic personality that inspired me to be part of this business, inspired me to be a professional wrestler. My dad and my grandfather are the cornerstone of my career." The Rock continued by saying that he wanted to make his family proud through his wrestling.

Atta Johnson, Peter Maivia's daughter and the Rock's mother, formally inducted her father into the hall of fame. She said " My father was a soft spoken, gentle giant of a Somoan man with a loving generous heart and a beautiful, beautiful voice.He always had a uekele handy , and with a smile and a song that man lived his life to the fullest." Johnson went on to recognize the dedication of all of the professional wrestlers to their chosen profession. Regarding her family, she said "We have loved this wrestling business all of our lives. Here we are. The Hall of Fame. I love you."

The Rock began his speech about his father by saying "What the "soul man", my dad, was able to accomplish during his career was no small feat. At a time of tremendous racial disparity, he was able to cross all lines and become one of the most dynamic and formidable performers of his generation."

Then The Rock discussed some of his personal memories of his father's career . He said "I remember night after night watching him perform all over the country , being awed by his quickness, by his agility. He was an amazing performer. He moved like no one else. And I remember watching him when I was a kid. He used to throw these amazing drop kicks and I used to say to myself when I become a professional wrestler I want to throw a drop kick just like that." The Rock joked that when he first tried to drop kick an opponent, he only reaches his knees. He soon realized that he could not incorporate drop kicks into his wresting repertoire.

The Rock ended his speech by discussing how proud he was of his dad. The Rock said ""My dad was a hero to me. And I thought like all professional wrestlers he was larger than life." Then The Rock remembered some of the famous matches that his father was involved in. Finally, before he introduced his father, he said "There was nothing like watching a Rocky Johnson comeback."The Rock's speech was sincere and genuine.

Rocky Johnson walked onto the stage accompanied by a great applause. Johnson said "I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would ever be standing here accepting this award." Johnson went on to describe how he grew up in a small town in Canada. He described his experience in the National Wrestling Alliance and his eventual move to the WWE in 1983. He talked about how proud he was of himself and Tony Atlas for becoming the "first black tag team champions of the world."

During the speech the fans shouted "Thank you Rocky!" Rocky Johnson responded by saying "Without you, I would not be standing here." Rocky Johnson proceeeded to say that he believed his father in law was watching down on them from heaven. Johnson said "I know he is looking down on all of us with a smile on his face."Johnson then expressed gratitude for becoming the first non-Somoan high chief. He thanked his son for all he had done for him and thanked him for continuing the family's wrestling legacy.

The Rock benefitted from the wrestling legacies of his father and grandfather. Both inspired him to develop his wrestling skills. His father trained him to be the best wrestler that he could become. The Rock would not have been as successful without the examples of his father and his grandfather. Additionally, The Rock continued the legacies of his father and grandfather.

Building a successful baseball team

Building a baseball team is not easy. Many good and hard working people contribute to the process of building a successful team. A franchise needs a supportive owner, an insightful general manager, a team of good scouts and talent evaluators and an encouraging fan base. When teams are successful, there is enough credit to go around to make everybody happy. Egos must be left at the door. Everyone involved must be dedicated to a common cause.

An owner needs to empower the general manager to make baseball decisions. A good owner gives the franchise financial support. A good owner needs to hire the right general manager and empower that person to make baseball decisions.

A general manager needs to provide the vision for the franchise. He or she needs to create a blue print for improving the organization. Once the plan is created, the organization needs to implement it. Developing minor league players is probably the best way to rebuild a team. They are paid lower salaries than free agents. A team can have control of a minor league player for 6 years at a reasonable salary. After the rookie contract is over, a team needs to decide whether or not to re sign the player. Drafting the right players and developing them well is the best way to build a team. Once a core is in place, then a team can supplement the core with free agent signings.

Free agents can fill in the gaps that a team has. Free agent signings can shore up weaknesses. However, they are not a substitute for developing players from within. Many have observed that free agency is not an efficient way to build a team because free agents often demand long term lucrative contracts. Also, free agents are paid for past performance. They often do not play as well in the future. Teams try and sign players who are under the age of 30 because players over 30 are more susceptible to injuries.

During the 2008 offseason, the New York Yankees made three free agent signings and made one trade that illustrate how the right moves can supplement a team's core. They signed pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett and signed first baseman Mark Teixeira. Additionally, the team traded for outfielder Nick Swisher. All four players were still in their prime with presumably good years ahead of them. Sabathia was a true ace that season and Teixeira was an MVP candidate. Burnett also pitched well and helped them win the World Series. Swisher added more offense to a core that included Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Jorge Pasadena, Robinson Cano and the newly acquired Teixeira. Burnett, who did not pitch well for the Yankees after the 2009 season, helped them win the World Series by winning game two after the Yankees had lost game one. These additions helped solidify an already strong team. They show how free agent signings and trades can supplement a core and help a team win a championship.

David Kaplan wrote about how the Chicago Cubs were rebuilt the last few years. His book "The Plan" chronicles the path that the Cubs took to rebuild their team and eventually win a World Series. Kaplan points out that the Cubs hired an experienced and accomplished team president in Theo Epstein, who helped guide the Red Sox to two World Series championships. Additionally, the Cubs hired Jed Hoyer to be their general manager and Jason McLeod to be their Senior Vice President. Kaplan points out that the Cubs build a strong front office. This helped the organization sign the right free agents and draft good players.

In addition to having the right people in front office positions, the Cubs hired the right manager. Joe Madddon had guided the Tampa Bay Rays to their only World Series appearance in 2008. They lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, making the World Series was a landmark achievement for a small market team like the Rays. The role that Maddon played in helping the Rays become successful did not go unnoticed throughout baseball. Maddon was hired by the Cubs to help them make their first World Series since 2008

Epstein told Kaplan that the Cubs benefitted a lot of from Maddon's managerial style. Epstein told Kaplan that the payers respected and admired Maddon. He created a relaxed environment that worked for new players and veterans. The Cubs needed this approach at this time. Maddon was uniquely suited to this team at this time. His approach worked for the Cubs.

The Cubs also made key trades and free agent signings. They traded for pitcher Jake Arrieta in 2013, two years before they hired Maddon. Arrieta struggled with Baltimore but the Cubs believed that he would benefit from a change of scenery. The Cubs believed that he was a better pitcher than what he had shown in Baltimore. The insight shown by the professional scouts and the Cubs' front office paid off. They were right. Arrieta started in the minor leagues for the Cubs in order to work in a pressure free environment. Also, according to Kaplan, the Cubs' pitching coach Chris Bowie helped Arrieta alter his pre game routine.

Signing free agent Jon Lester was also important for the Cubs. Kaplan says "Lester believed in the Cubs brain trust and he was confident that in time the Cubs would be winners. His big question though, was just how soon they would be contending. He had won two World Series rings with the Red Sox and he wanted more." However, Lester believed that the Cubs' leadership would help them become a top notch team. According to Kaplan, Lester also believed that the Cubs were assembling players of good character who were good teammates.

Both Arrieta and Lester helped the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. Both are good examples of how trades and free agent signings can help a team to win. Both show the importance of an organization making sound and good decisions.

The Cubs' organization also drafted good players and developed them well. Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Kriss Bryant, Addison Russell and Javier Baez were all developed within the Cubs' minor league system. They all contributed to the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship. They added youth and enthusiasm to the lineup. They added energy and talent to a Cubs team that had veteran leadership with Lester, Arrieta, Dexter Fowler and Ben Zobrist. The Cubs were a good blend of veterans and young players. The roster reflected a combination of good trades, wise free agent signings and good player development.

Scouting is an inexact science. It is difficult to project how high school or college players will play at the professional level. It's hard to measure how dedicated each player is and whether their skills will translate to the next level. Amateur scouts travel to watch high school and college players. Then the scouts fill out reports to give people within the organization. There is no substitute for seeing a player in person or talking to the player. However, even after seeing a player and meeting them, it is difficult to project how they will do in minor league baseball. All scouts and organizations can do is make an educated assessment of the player's abilities.

Teams look for offensive players who can hit for power and average, run well, field their position well and throw well. These are commonly referred to as "5 tool players." Players that can do many things well are sought after. Players that are versatile and multi talented are appreciated by major league organizations. Mike Trout, of the Anaheim Angels, is the best example today of a "5 tool player." He can hit home runs, steal bases, get on base often and field his position well. Bryce Harper and Manny Machada are also multi talented players.

Likewise, it is difficult to project how well a minor league player will adjust to the major league level. A pitcher may be able to get minor league hitters out, but may struggle against the major league hitters. Or a hitter may hit minor league pitching, but struggle against major league pitching. A hitter at the major league level will face pitchers who throw better breaking balls. Also,
pitchers at the major league level may have a better assortment of pitches.

After a player makes it to the major league, a team has to decide how patient it will be with the player. If a hitter struggles, should the team demote him to the minor leagues? Or should the team be patient with him and help him work through his struggles? If a pitcher is giving up too many runs, should the team continue to have him pitch at the major league level? Or should the team demote him to the minor leagues and ask him to develop another pitch? Player development is an ongoing issue for any organization. A player's development never ends completely. No matter how much money a player makes, he can still develop his skills.

Deciding when to bring a player up from the minor leagues is also important. A team has 6 years to work with a player that the team has drafted. So, an organization has time to develop the player. Some wonder if bringing up a player too early would ruin a player's confidence. If a player struggles, will the player lose confidence in his abilities? If so, can a player regain his confidence?

However, sometimes a young player can inject enthusiasm into a big league team. A young and talented player may be able t help a team immediately and inspire the team's veteran core. These are some of the considerations that an organization has when dealing with minor league players. During the month of September, major legue teams expand their rosters to 40 players. So, this can often be a good time to bring up minor league players.

A team also needs an overall strategy. An organization tries to answer these questions: How are we going to win games? Will we win with an emphasis on power? Will we try and play for the 3 run homerun? Or will we try to advance the runner through bunting, sacrifice flies, hitting runners over and stealing bases? What basic offensive approach will we have? The approach on offensive is dictated by the talent on the team. If a team has a decent number of power hitters, then playing for the three run home run may work. However, if the team is build around speed, then another approach will probably be better.

Organizations have to decide how they will develop pitchers as well. Will they limit the number of innings a pitcher can pitch when he is developing? Will organizations put young pitchers on a pitch count in order to preserve their arms? Or will organizations encourage young pitchers to pitch many innings in order to strengthen their arms? Experts disagree on what works best. Some believe that a pitcher should gradually build up arm strength. While other experts believe that pitchers would be stronger if they threw more innings at the minor league level. Both approaches seek to avoid injury. However, no matter what approach is taken, injuries may be impossible to avoid because pitchers throw so fast today. The speed that pitchers throw at may cause injuries no matter how a pitcher is developed. Former pitching coach Rick Peterson and former pitcher Ron Darling are among those who believe that overthrowing and pitching so fast are what is leading to injuries of pitchers.

The strategy used for the bullpen is also important. During the 1980s pitchers became more specialized. Tony Larussa and other managers used relief pitchers in specialized roles. Some were closers, while others were set up men. Still others were long relievers. Then later on, some left handed pitchers would only pitch to left handed batters. They became known as "left handed specialists."Closers pitch one inning to end a game. They try to "save" the game. Set up men try and hold the lead. Long relievers pitch when the closer is out of the game early.

Some observers have even suggested that teams go to a 6 man rotation in order to give starting pitchers more rest. Some think this approach would preserve the arms of the starting pitchers. Some believe this would help prevent injuries or at least make injuries less likely. For the most part,teams go with a 5 man rotation. No team has tried to go with a 6 man rotation for the whole season. Since teams make extensive use of their bullpens, starting pitchers are not taxed too much. A 5 man rotation probably makes the most sense

When building a team, an organization has to consider it's home stadium as well. The Yankees have a short right field porch, s they look for left handed power hitters who can take advantage of the dimensions of Yankee stadium. Additionally, Yankee stadium yields many home runs, so it makes sense for the Yankees to acquire and develop pitchers who keep the ball low I order to induce ground ball outs. If a pitcher gives up a lot of fly balls, he would not be a good fit for Yankee stadium. This was the problem with Phil Hughes- a fly ball pitcher. Hughes gave up too many fly balls to be a successful pitcher in Yankee stadium. Conversely, Masihiro Tanaka is successful, in part, because he keeps his pitches low.

Building a successful baseball team is difficult. The Cubs went 108 years before they won another World Series in 2016. Their opponent, the Cleveland Indians, last won a World Series in 1948. Teams need to hire the right people and draft the right players. Additionally, signing the right free agents and making timely trades can help strengthen the team's core. Even with everything in place, it is difficult to win the World Series. Injuries can derail a team's chances, and other teams can have excellent seasons. When a team is in the World Series, a team needs to win because it may not get back for many years. Every other team in Major League Baseball is also trying to improve. The league will always be competitive.

Trying to improve a baseball team is a year long task. Organizations scout amateur players throughout the year. Additionally, organizations continually evaluate and develop their own players. They are looking at other teams for potential trades. Organizations are always trying to stockpile talent and improve their team.

Win or lose, organizations take pride in their team's accomplishments. They are proud of the players they develop. They are proud of their successful free agent signings and timely trades. It's especially rewarding when all of the hard work results in a World Series championship.