The Makings of a Triple Crown Winner
The caption to the article intrigued me: “Triple
Threat.” The photo captured on American Airlines magazine (April 2013)
was one of Miguel Cabrera’s intensity moments before he hit the
ball. In 2012 he was the first Detroit Tiger since Ty Cobb (1909)
to hold the coveted “Triple Crown” at one time leading the American League in
batting average, home runs and RBIs. I had to know.
What makes Miguel so effective in baseball? Here’s what I
discovered. 1. He is totally focused on the game. He played
through a pressured season complaint-free despite the pain in his bum
ankle. 2. He loves the game! He often laughs and interacts with the
fans. His enthusiasm spills over to his fans of all ages. 3. He
knows the dynamics of the game, which keeps him flexible. “Cabrera
can remember without the benefit of the printed scouting report, how each
opposing pitcher got him out in the past, then make the necessary
adjustments.” 4. He has great instincts for the game, which come
from his family. His mother played for Venezuela’s national
softball team. His father was a baseball player. Last,
but certainly not least: 5. He is a team player. “He may be a
Triple Crown winner but the Detroit Tiger’s Miguel Cabrera isn’t all that
interested in talking about himself.” “We’re a team.
You win games with 25 guys. You don’t win games by yourself.”
As missionaries, if we applied these principles to our ministry, we could be a
Triple Threat to Satan’s Kingdom. 2 Timothy 1:7 For
the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and
self-discipline.
