9
O P I N I O N
Baseball and the AEC
We might not pitch and catch over nine innings for a living, but we can learn a lot from what happens out on the diamond.
S o, you’re probably asking yourself, “What does baseball have to do with our industry?” Well, stay with me. In Game 4 of the 2018 World Series, Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, decided to remove starting pitcher Rich Hill, who had given up one hit through the first six innings. Following that decision, the Dodgers saw a four-run lead turn into a five-run deficit in the final three innings of the game and an overwhelming 3-1 series deficit to the Boston Red Sox. In Game 3, the Dodgers won an epic 18-inning brawl and momentum had shifted to the Boys in Blue. Game 4 snuffed that out.
Dave Blankenhorn GUEST SPEAKER
Following the game, it was revealed that the decision to remove Hill stemmed from a quick statement Hill had made as he descended the dugout steps following the sixth inning. He expressed concern to Roberts that he might not be able to hold up much longer. No reply from Roberts. So, after starting the seventh inning by walking the leadoff batter, Roberts walked to the mound to simply check-in on Hill as he thought he had instructed. Roberts did not raise his hand indicating which reliever he wanted. It was just a check-in. However, since Roberts has a propensity to go to
his bullpen early, Hill assumed he was coming to remove him. Without saying a word, Hill handed Roberts the ball and walked off the mound. This miscommunication or, more appropriately, lack of communication, changed the trajectory of the game – and the World Series. Both Roberts and Hill have said that if either one of them had followed up with a question to clarify the intent of the other, then Hill would have stayed in the game. It also highlights the importance of complete and clear communication, which is essential in any aspect of business, especially in
See DAVE BLANKENHORN, page 10
THE ZWEIG LETTER February 25, 2019, ISSUE 1285
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