I’m 3/4 the way through Michael Lewis’ book, Moneyball.
I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ll admit that friends have been recommending the book for ages, but I didn’t pick it up immediately mainly because I grew up hating the Oakland A’s (I was a SF Giants fan), and I ultimately stopped really loving baseball after the numerous strikes.
But people continue to say they loved the book, and I’ve heard the movie is getting great reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival.
Pick up a copy. Read it this week. You can see the movie when it comes out on the 23rd.
Lewis focuses on Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s, as he and his front office systematically challenge the “rules” of baseball. The A’s have one of the worst budgets in major league baseball and yet consistently won more games than many teams with double or even triple the budget.
How did they do this?
They looked at those that others overlooked.
They utilized an incredible system.
They demonstrated loyalty.
I’m being overly simple there (read the book for a more extensive explanation), but those are the major ideas.
As I’ve read the book, I can’t help but think of the many student organizations and schools I know who currently have their backs up against the wall.
Budgets are short.
Resources are limited.
It seems that others hold the cards.
But we can take on this task. We can be the team that others cheer for. We have the ability to change the game.
If we recognize those overlooked resources and people.
If we utilize a great system.
If we remain loyal to one another.
It’s time to make the game fun again, even when it seems like everyone else has more.