Weekly Motivational Piece -- July 26, 2012

Greetings!



HERE IS THIS WEEK'S MOTIVATIONAL PIECE ... ENJOY!

With the induction of Ron Santo into the Baseball Hall of Fame over the weekend, I hope you will read this story from start-to-finish. If there ever was a true baseball hero, Ron Santo gets my vote! Read on…


Ron’s career started off just like yours. He had the same dreams … to be a big league ballplayer. Like you, he played high school ball. Grew up in Seattle. He was considered the best baseball prospect in the state of Washington. He was a picture of great health.


Upon signing his first professional baseball contract in 1959, he underwent a routine physical. As he was packing his gear to go play for the Cubs' minor league affiliate in San Antonio, TX, he was told by his doctor that he had Diabetes. Then, Santo said he “couldn't accept that a disease would stop me from using my God-given gifts.” He hit .327 with 11 home runs during his debut pro season and was considered one of the stars of the Cubs’ farm system.


Shortly thereafter, Santo was told that his Pancreas pretty much stopped functioning heading into his second season (1960) and had to start taking daily insulin injections. He never disclosed his health issues to the Cubs for fear of being considered a medical liability and or released.


“I wanted my teammates and fans to think of me as a ballplayer—not as someone who needed their sympathy,” said Santo. His numbers, his defensive play, his accomplishments, were all done while quietly battling a disease that would ultimately ravage his body. Not until 1971 did the public even learn about Santo’s disease and medical problems.


Turning to Cubs radio broadcasting after his playing days, a position he held for 19 seasons despite continued health problems. He never whined about the road travel or the climb up the massive number of stadium stairs just to get to the broadcast booth at each game. He just loved his life as a Cubs’ Ambassador!


At the age of 60 and for his final decade of life, Santo underwent 15 more operations including issues with circulatory problems that necessitated the amputation of his right and left leg. He endured eye surgeries, heart attacks, a heart-bypass procedure and fought through bladder cancer. Santo died in 2010. A year later, as one of the 17,733 players to play Major League Baseball, Santo became just the 12th third baseman enshrined in the halls of Cooperstown.


Despite it all, Santo continued to be “Mr. Positive” and did his job every day despite the limitations his body imposed on him. He even found time to help raise more than $60-million dollars in Chicago for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, of which he became a board member.


Said Ron, “Until adversity hits you, and I had open-heart surgery and lost both my legs, you think, I can’t get through it. But really, you do what you have to do. I say that to everybody. You have only one way to go, and that’s a positive way.”


Santo became the third Cubs player ever to have his playing jersey retired and has a statue of his likeness immortalized on the grounds of Wrigley Field. When he died, his former teammates draped Santo’s casket with the No. #10 Flag (his jersey number) that flew over the ballpark. Following the service, the procession headed north to Wrigley and ended right at third base where his cremated ashes were scattered on the field that became his home.


"I've often said that baseball must provide hope and faith. Ron Santo personified that spirit with an array of challenges that would test the courage of the bravest amongst us. Ron Santo never lost hope, he never lost faith in himself, in the city of Chicago, in his beloved Cubs and in the game of baseball" — stated by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.

Fellas – as you begin to create your own legacy, make sure each and every day you live and play the game of baseball with the three P’S of life: PERSEVERANCE – PASSION – PURPOSE. Ron Santo exemplified these qualities each and every day of his life. He left this earth a Champion and a Hero to Millions of people! That’s the Legacy we all want and hope to leave behind!


All the best! Be sure to take care of those that love you and guided you throughout your career OK!


Jim Loria

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SPECIAL QUOTES

“Many words and phrases come to mind when I think of Ron Santo. Let's start with Unique. Unforgettable. Amazing. Courageous. Inspirational. Natural. Genuine and Real. Generous, Charitable and Kind. Loyal, Strong, Tough, Optimistic, Iconic, Outrageous, Hilarious, Fun, the No. 1 Cubs fan ever, a Partner and a Friend. Ron Santo leaves behind multiple legacies of a loving family, a praiseworthy playing career, a memorable broadcast career, he was a champion of diabetes research and the other legacy would be the remarkable way he handled his physical adversity toward the end"

"Ron Santo got a lot of fan mail, mountains of fan mail. He would take it with us on the road. Before games I would be preparing for the broadcast, he would read these fan notes and then he would pick up the phone and he would call a complete stranger and he would say, 'Hi this is Ron Santo, could I please talk to Larry Smith?' There would be a pause and then Ronnie would kind of chuckle and say, 'No, this really is Ron Santo, I'm calling for Larry.' He did this all the time and they would talk for 10 or 15 minutes" — stated by Pat Hughes, Cubs Radio Broadcast partner with Ron Santo


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“The legacy of a hero is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example” – stated by Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister in the 1800s

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“What you have … give! Because what you save … you lose forever” – stated by Brant Ust, who played nine years in the minor leagues of pro baseball

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“There are countless ways of achieving greatness, but any road to achieving one’s maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity” – stated by Buck Rodgers, former Big League catcher and manager for the Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos and California Angels.

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Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com

WEEKLY MOTIVATIONAL PIECE - JULY 19, 2012

Greetings My Friend!


THIS WEEK'S MOTIVATIONAL PIECE... ENJOY!


Never in the history of sports has their been a player more valuable to his city and perhaps (arguably) to his team. This person is Drew Brees, the record-breaking All-Pro QB for the New Orleans Saints.


His name brand is so off the charts right now that Brees was just tabbed by our United Nations to serve as the U.S. National Ambassador “Against Hunger” for the World Food Program. AN AMAZING HONOR! In addition, out of the thousands of professional athletes around the country, Drew landed at the No. 1 spot in this year’s “Power 100” ranking compiled by a Georgia sports marketing firm that helps Corporation’s determine which athletes are worthy of being chosen for endorsement opportunities.


Yet, just six years ago, Drew Brees was a “broken player” in more ways than one. He was without a home. Despite being productive in San Diego (his original draft team) for a few years, the Chargers decided to acquire Philip Rivers as the 3rd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and invested tens of millions in their rookie QB. Obviously, management played their hand and showed Brees that his time in San Diego was now just a poor performance or an injury situation away from his time in California coming to an end. Going into his free agent contract season in 2006, Brees suffered an untimely – and one of the most horrific shoulder injuries to a quarterback.


As he rehabbed and shopped himself around, there were no NFL team takers. It was bad enough that Brees always had to fight off the label from pro personnel experts that he was too short for his position (6'0") and his already perceived lack of arm strength. Now he had to recover from a torn labrum. New Orleans, a desperate city trying to find traction after one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, was the only NFL club to gamble on a player no one gave hope he could ever play again. Brees would later say his landing in New Orleans was much more than just an athlete's change of venue, “It was a calling!'' he said. "We were brought here for a reason.''


Brees and his wife, Brittany, showed love for New Orleans upon arrival when the city – ravaged and ruined by Hurricane Katrina - felt abandoned by so many others. Not only did he spark the team’s play on the field – the franchise was coming off of a horrendous 3-13 record - but he also threw himself into helping the city recover, and its people to feel like they were not alone. Brees, who may go down as one of sports’ all-time greatest leaders, has since led the Saints to two division championships and a Super Bowl title while setting all-time offensive performance records for NFL quarterbacks. "He symbolizes the people of New Orleans in many, many ways,'' says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.


Always remember that pro scouts cannot measure one’s “determination” nor the size of an athlete’s “will” and “heart” or his ability to perform under pressure. Brees picked himself up from the bottom barrel of his sport to now becoming the highest paid player in the history of the NFL!


SO NEVER DOUBT YOU AND HAVE FAITH NO MATTER WHAT LIFE’S CIRCUMSTANCES BRINGS YOUR WAY... OK!!


Faith = Fortitude … Attitude … Integrity … Trust … Humility.


All the best my friend! Keep Believing in your Mission and go Capture your Dreams!


Jim Loria


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“When you look at an Athlete’s Body, you only see the tip of the iceberg. The 10 in the 110%! What you can’t see is what really matters. That’s the Will to Continue. The Fuel to Drive the Mind that pushes the body again and again. The Outside only shows the Final Chapter. But the Story gets told from Within!” – stated in ESPN The Magazine


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“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done” – stated by Vince Lombardi, legendary Hall of Fame NFL Coach


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“An invincible determination can accomplish almost anything and in this lies the great distinction between great men and little men” – stated by Dr. Thomas Fuller, 1700s British Physician and Preacher


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“JUST WIN THE DAY!” – an everyday quote authored by Chip Kelly, Head Football Coach at the University of Oregon




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Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com

Weekly Motivational Piece!

Greetings My Friend!

I will begin this story with no hints of whom I am focusing on. He is a baseball player. He played in Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game. Just signed the richest contract in his team’s history which has produced multiples of Hall of Famers over time.


Yet when this player signed the dotted line for 85-Million Dollars last week, TONY GWYNN, a Hall of Famer, texted this player and said to him: “Congrats on the contract. Now see how great you can be!”


HANK AARON, the enduring all-time great MLB Hall of Famer and hero to the American sports fan, actually phoned this player and said to him: “I like the way you play the game!”


This player: Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles. And he’s still of the youthful age of 26. He was once traded away from Seattle years ago. Then considered unproven. Today he’s developed. Now ranks in the American League’s Top 10 in many of the key offensive categories.


Yet, this contract investment into the mega-millions was made by the Orioles in-season - which is surprising - but done so because Baltimore, the franchise, has BOUGHT INTO THE MAN! Yes, they bought into Jones’ offensive potential, impressive they may be. BUT THEY WEDDED THEMSELVES TO HIS CHARACTER!


“Adam is more than a fine player," said O’s VP/GM Dan Duquette. “To have a great team in Baltimore, we have to find and keep players like Adam, players that are willing to make the sacrifices for the team and do the little things that we all know helps teams win games. This commitment by the Orioles reflects the fact that Adam Jones is more than a fine player. He's a leader in our community and he's a winner. He has heart, and his work in the community makes clear that his heart is in the right place."


At his press conference to announce the new contract extension, true to his commitment to the community, Jones invited a group of youth baseball players that he supports to be present with him. Jones also announced that he will donate a portion of his yearly salary to the Orioles’ Charities and also continue to strive to make a positive impact on local youth.


"I definitely want to make my mark on the city of Baltimore, and be known as someone who went out there and played hard every day,” said Jones. “In the community, you gotta give 100 percent to try to make a difference. If I am able to help one kid get better in baseball, get better in school, get a job, something positive, I think I've succeeded.”


Through all of his efforts on-and-off the field, Jones is now seeing his Star Power rise. Prior to the MLB All-Star Game festivities, the producers of the David Letterman Show asked Jones to take part in voicing Dave’s popular TOP TEN list! ESPN produced a heart-warming feature segment on Jones that showcased his work in the community and how he was inspired by Jackie Robinson, and today is devoted to helping Robinson’s family work with the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout America.


As we’ve said many times before, fellas, your work in the community and the character you present to the public combined with your efforts on the field, can and will produce dividends for you! INVEST YOUR TIME NOW AND LET PEOPLE SEE YOU BECOME THAT NEXT LEADER … BE THE ‘MAN’ JUST LIKE ADAM JONES!


All the best and keep Believing in You Always OK!


Jim Loria


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“Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand” – stated by Edward Everett Hale, American Author and Clergyman


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“It’s hard to beat a person that never gives up” - stated by the legendary Hall of Famer Babe Ruth


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“Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out” – stated by John Wooden, one of sports all-time great coaches (NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball at UCLA)


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Michigan College Football QB Denard Robinson on what he learned from spring practice drills while working with the Navy Seals in preparation for the 2012 season: “What stood out the most is that the team has to have one goal and one plan to reach its destination. We all want to be leaders, but sometimes you keep your mouth closed and follow orders. It‘s a lesson that I have to apply on the field because I want to be a QB that Michigan fans will remember the rest of their lives.”


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Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com

Weekly Motivational Piece!

Greetings Nick!

This week I wanted to share with you a special poem that I found that is so perfect for you as an athlete, as a player that aspires to play major league baseball and just because someday you will become that next leader as a father of your very own children and of your community that you lay roots somewhere!

DON’T EVER DOUBT YOUR ABILITIES AND YOUR DREAMS! BELIEVE IN YOU AND YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY THAT IS BEFORE YOU NOW!


All the best my friend! Happy 4th of July Holiday Wishes too!

Jim Loria


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WHY NOT YOU?  (Written by an Unknown Author)


TODAY, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?


TODAY, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?


TODAY, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?


TODAY, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?


TODAY, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?


TODAY, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their community and children. Why not you?


TODAY, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?


TODAY, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?


TODAY, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?


TODAY, many will make the commitment to be a better son, student, teacher, worker, brother & so much more. Why not you?


TODAY is a new day! Many will seize this day. Many will live it to the fullest.


Why Not You?


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“My competitors are not adversaries – they are helpers. They help me push past my limits” – stated by Victor Plata, Triathlon Athlete


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“Just the confidence that comes with chasing a dream and having it come through will make you feel you can do anything” – stated by Sarah Tueting, U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Goaltender


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“Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results” – stated by Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher


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“Don’t go to the grave with life unused” – stated by former Florida State College Football Coach Bobby Bowden


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Jim Loria
E-Mail: loria@sfstampede.com