How to Play Winning Baseball by Arthur Mann is one of my most cherished baseball books in my personal library. Copyrighted in 1953, the book is an easy-to-read, descriptive how-to manual for the best game in the history of mankind. I read this book as a kid during my days of playing organized baseball, and now I like to read it as a baseball coach to brush up my skills in teaching the game to youngsters.
There are universal truths for successful batters and their swings: well-timed and executed load (coil that provides power), balance, proper weight shift, steady head and eye on the ball are a few of these truths. While such truths apply virtually to all sluggers, there are a myriad of stances, bat-twirls and other nuanced differences that can be employed to achieve the desired results.
In his book, Mann illustrates the stances and strides of famous right-handed and left-handed batters from the earlier eras of baseball (diagrams and illustrations by Captain Malcolm Thompson under the direction of Mann):
The iconic stances of Hall of Fame players shown in the two photos above are extremely varied. For instance, look at the right-handed Rogers Hornsby. His right (rear) foot was always positioned in the outside rear corner of the batter's box yet he had the ability to stride in diagonally towards the front inside corner (of the batter's box) and get full extension over the strike zone. While covering so much ground, he was still able to stay balanced, load, keep his eye on the ball, transfer his weight and get his hands through to send the ball sailing.
Conversely, the left-handed "Splendid Splinter", Ted Williams, who many consider to be the greatest hitter that ever lived started with his rear foot towards the inside rear corner of the batter's box. Williams used a wide stance and had a short stride with his front foot. His height helped enable this stance. Hornsby and Williams hit from opposite sides of the plate, and they couldn't have looked more different doing it. However, they both stayed true to the universal truths of hitting, and both of them are enshrined in Cooperstown.
There are truths in every facet of life from the business world to parenting children and every other component of life. There are rules of accounting and proven strategies for negotiation. Also, children are taught the golden rule, phonics and addition/subtraction. All of that said, often the "stance" or path to greatness in business, parenting/teaching or any other endeavor can vary based on personal attributes, strengths, weaknesses, preferences and cultural differences.
A slick sales professional from Manhattan is going to use different language and tactics than a smooth southern charmer sales professional from Alabama, but they both are seeking the same fruitful results. Both of them will use some of the same truths to provide value to their clients and hence, reach their goals. Being able to glean nuggets of wisdom from others yet staying true to your "stance" to reach tremendous highs is one of life's greatest adventures. Whether it's hitting in the batter's box, presenting in the boardroom or doing homework with your son or daughter at the kitchen table, truths exist and results matter, but the stance to reach those results can vary.
