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Questions and Answers
What does the author believe is essential for improving in baseball?
How did the author approach teaching their daughter to drive?
What mindset does the author suggest is preferable for approaching problem-solving?
What behavior did the author find amusing regarding a teammate's attempt to avoid playing?
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What does the author indicate is a common misconception about being stubborn?
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Which injury was sustained by the player at the 1996 All-Star Game?
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What was the player's primary reason for continuing to play despite his broken nose?
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What distinction does the speaker's dad make between types of stubbornness?
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What concern did the player express about the new wheel play system introduced by Phil Regan?
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Which of the following plays was NOT part of the Orioles' existing defensive strategies before Phil Regan's changes?
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How did the speaker's dad resolve the mystery of the bent light poles?
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What lesson did the speaker learn from their interactions with their dad?
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During the player's career, which year marked a significant streak of playing every game despite challenges?
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What was the initial theory about the cause of the bent poles offered by the speaker?
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How did the speaker's family perceive stubbornness?
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What principle did the speaker emphasize about playing in games?
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What intangible value did the speaker believe they contributed to the team?
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How did the presence of Eddie Murray in the lineup affect the team?
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What was the primary reason the speaker felt their streak was not just about personal achievement?
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What does the speaker suggest about showing up for work in challenging conditions?
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Study Notes
Cal Ripken Jr. - The Iron Man's Perspective on Stubbornness
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Cal Ripken Jr. learned the importance of "good stubbornness" from his father, Cal Sr., who believed in conviction and finding better ways to do things.
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He emphasized the importance of gathering information, analyzing it, and being determined to find an explanation, highlighting the analytical nature of "good stubbornness."
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Cal Sr. instilled this approach in his coaching, emphasizing daily infield practice to learn how to anticipate and handle every kind of hit.
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Cal Ripken Jr. also applied this "good stubbornness" to his own life, like teaching his daughter, Rachel, to drive by anticipating traffic lights, using a playful game to reinforce the concept.
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He believes that applying this "good stubbornness" to study situations, like parking-lot lampposts, fly balls, or traffic lights, leads to optimal performance.
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He credits his "good stubbornness" for his 2,632-game streak, viewing it as a principle of work ethic and an everyday player's commitment.
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He explains his everyday approach to baseball, contrasting it with some players who seek excuses to take days off.
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He emphasizes the importance of being present for the team, even when injured, showcasing his commitment to his role as an everyday player.
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He highlights the impact of Eddie Murray's presence as a key hitter, regardless of his performance, showcasing the value of consistency and reliability.
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He credits his managers for their faith in him, recognizing that they saw value beyond his batting performance, particularly Frank Robinson's perspective on his contribution to the team spirit.
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He describes his philosophy of playing regardless of minor injuries, acknowledging that playing hurt is part of the job and that a strong commitment is essential for success.
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He recounts a specific instance of playing with a broken nose during the All-Star Game, highlighting his dedication to his role and team.
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He emphasizes that his streak wasn't about records or boosting attendance, but about a principle of work ethic and dedication to the team.
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He clarifies that his streak wasn't a personal decision but a collection of his managers' decisions, highlighting the collaborative aspect of his career.
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He reflects on his commitment to his job, drawing a parallel to a marriage vow, suggesting that work should be approached with dedication and resilience.
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He highlights the importance of showing up ready to work every day, even when facing challenges, acknowledging the value of old-school work ethic.
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He emphasizes the importance of giving managers reasons to keep you in the lineup through consistent effort and dedication.
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He details the beginning of his streak, highlighting that it wasn't a planned decision, but a consequence of his work ethic and managers' trust.
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He explains how his streak grew organically, gaining recognition only when it reached 1,000 games.
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He mentions his respect for his managers' decisions, recognizing that they had the responsibility to win games with the best players available, regardless of the streak.
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He acknowledges that some might have considered his stubbornness closed-mindedness, but he argues that his approach was actually about gathering information and making informed decisions, highlighting the open-mindedness behind his "good stubbornness."
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He recounts a specific interaction with a reporter, highlighting his perspective on the streak's importance, particularly during times of struggle, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the game.
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He embraces his "good stubbornness" as a valuable trait in various areas of life, particularly in the workplace.
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He reflects on his first year with Phil Regan as manager, where he encounters different ideas about fundamental plays, demonstrating his open-mindedness and willingness to learn.
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He shows his willingness to engage in a discussion with Regan about bunt plays, displaying a proactive approach and commitment to understanding the manager's methods.
The Right Kind of Stubborn
- Cal Ripken Jr. notes that being right is not always enough; you need to be able to persuade others
- He describes a situation where he disagreed with his manager over a new bunt play strategy and was able to convince him to keep the old system, ultimately proving to be right
- Ripken suggests that you need to be able to step back, get objective, and find an approach that makes sense to the other person
- He shares his experience with his All-Star teammates where they wouldn't adopt his deeper cutoff position, but he admits he respects their choices
- He believes his deeper cutoff position was more beneficial, helping him see the runners and the throw from the outfield better
Putting the Right People in the Right Place
- Cal Ripken Jr. and his team learned a valuable lesson about choosing the right people for their youth baseball organization, Ripken Baseball
- They initially sought experienced executives but realized their experience didn't necessarily translate to knowledge of youth baseball
- They learned to look for people with business expertise and an understanding of youth sports
- They discovered that finding the right person for a position can take time and requires a thorough search
- He shares how they learned to be more careful with the recruitment of their staff, taking their time and going through multiple applicants until they found the perfect fit
Sticking to Your Deals
- He shares that he's never broken a deal, emphasizing his firm belief in honoring commitments
- Ripken had a deal with Gatorade to supply their facilities, but when some staff wanted to switch to water due to parental complaints, he insisted on sticking with the contract
- He reminds us that dealing with complaints is part of the job, suggesting that it's beneficial to educate kids and monitor their hydration
Managing Stubbornness
- Cal Ripken Jr., a professional baseball player, shares anecdotes from his career to illustrate the concept of stubbornness
- He almost got thrown out of a game due to his arguments with a stubborn umpire
- He takes responsibility for his own actions and apologized to Terry Steinbach after a violent collision at home plate
- He reminds us that sometimes it's better to let go of anger and avoid unnecessary conflict
- He shares a story about how he almost got into a confrontation with a reckless driver but ultimately chose to defuse the situation, reminding us that it's important to be smart about how we deal with our anger
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Description
Explore Cal Ripken Jr.'s insights on the concept of 'good stubbornness' as taught by his father. This quiz delves into how determination, analysis, and practice contribute to success in sports and life. Discover practical applications of this principle through Cal's experiences.
