Who I want to be like

I remember watching the “like Mike” Gatorade commercials of the early 90’s. Like many, I really wanted to be like Mike. Unfortunately, I am only 5’8 and my vertical lift is about 2 inches.

But some 10 years later, there is a new pro-athlete that I want to be like. Strangely, he is the same height and weight as I am. He is vertically (and follicly) challenged. But despite his limitations, he was able to win the Most Valuable Player award in 2008. He is having an incredible and unlikely career.

[Warning, if you are a Yankees fan, you may want to turn back now.]

His name is Dustin Pedroia, second basemen for the Boston Red Sox. Here’s why I want to be like him: When this diminutive man swings a bat, he swings as if his whole life depends on it. He puts every ounce of himself behind every hit. The expression on his face reveals his determinism. He wants to tear the skin off the ball. He believes that he can hit it with the same force as any other man. He does not believe his limitations can slow him down.

I want to be like him. I want to swing like my life depends on it—swing like it’s my last chance. I want my at bat to effect the outcome of the game. I want to make the most of every opportunity. I don’t want my limitations to stop me from doing what I was called to do.

But of course I’m not talking about baseball.