May 9, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Swinging for the Fences and Settling for Singles
Columns & Opinion
May 26, 2023
Swinging for the Fences and Settling for Singles

The batter is warming up on deck - meaning he is the next one to come to the plate to face the pitcher. The man on the pitching mound is known for sinking the dreams of wannabees - the home run hitters who have to be willing to settle for simply getting on base and waiting to be brought home by the next hitter.

The batter is warming up on deck - meaning he is the next one to come to the plate to face the pitcher. The man on the pitching mound is known for sinking the dreams of wannabees - the home run hitters who have to be willing to settle for simply getting on base and waiting to be brought home by the next hitter.

Bat in hand, the wannabe strides toward home plate with an arrogant purposeful step. The commentator’s voice excitedly rises in volume. The batter swings mightily as the baseball crosses home plate. But he has misread the pitch and only catches a glancing blow as the ball dives sharply at the last second. The ball careens weakly toward the player at third base, who charges toward it, scoops it up and fires the ball to the first baseman. The batter barely beats the throw by a fraction of a second - giving him a single on the stats sheet, again.

He is successfully standing on first base, that’s true. But first base is not exactly what that batter had in mind when he approached home plate a few seconds ago. He had fully intended to carry out what he had been imagining for the last week - smashing that ball out of the park and trotting around the bases to the thunderous applause of his many adoring fans in the stands.

Meanwhile, his batting coach is kicking dirt in the dugout and disgustedly shaking his head …again. “How many times do I have to tell him to quit swingin’ for the fence, tryin’ to make a home run every time? Just concentrate on solidly connectin’ with the ball! The rest will come, if he will jes’ work on the basics of swingin’ correctly! How many times do I have to say that to that idiot?”

Sounds way too familiar. Most of us have done the same. Either as the fame-seeking batter, or the disgusted coach who is fed up with antics of the one we are trying to help.

The batter who doesn’t understand the need to put in the work to master the basics can frustrate a coach to no end. The coach can easily spot the batter’s potential - but knows his student will probably never become the player of note that he really could be. Because that batter has his eyes on the wrong target. The far fence instead of the center of the approaching ball.

Coach = Our Creator using our life, trying to teach us the basics of success.

Student player = Me, you, and every other breathing human on the planet, who insists on taking shortcuts to home runs that we dream about endlessly.

One of these days, hopefully we will learn to concentrate on doing the small daily things the way they need to be done. And let the home runs happen as a consequence of taking care of those small things well.

Send any responses to andybowman839@gmail. com.

VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
A: Main
VFW Post 539 partners with schools to uplift youth
May 9, 2025
A display of patriotism, creativity and community support was on full display this spring as VFW Post 539 and its Auxiliary partnered with area schools to recognize young artists and support student o...
this is a test
A: Main
Council to hold special meeting
May 9, 2025
A special meeting of the Henryetta City Council will be held Friday at 12 noon in the Council Chambers, 115 S. 4th Street.The agenda includes a discussion and possible action on proposals by Alera Gro...
this is a test
Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
A: Main
Cool summer adventures await at Nichols Park
May 9, 2025
With summer around the corner, Henryetta’s Nichols Park is making waves - literally! A brand-new kayak rental option is now available for those looking to paddle into fun while staying cool on the 17-...
this is a test
Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
A: Main, Main...
Trio seeks District 8 seat in tense Senate race
May 9, 2025
BENNETT BRINKMANNONDOCEditors Note: Early voting for the May 13 General Election is underway at the Okmulgee County Courthouse. Registered voters can cast their ballots until 6 p.m. today. On Tuesday,...
this is a test
A: Main
City-wide cleanup event underway
May 9, 2025
A city-wide cleanup is taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8-12 p.m. tomorrow. A City of Henryetta water bill will allow you to dump trash twice.The event will take place at the Public Works ...
this is a test
News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 9, 2025
May 14 Fitness 4 Kids Fun & 5K Run | Preston Elementary School will hod a Fitness 4 Kids and 5K Run Wednesday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Jim Waller Sports Complex in Preston. The registration fee is...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Henryetta FD responds to 100 calls in April
May 9, 2025
The Henryetta Fire Department had a busy month of emergency response activity in April, answering a total of 100 calls for service across a wide range of incident types. According to the department’s ...
this is a test
Milestones & Memories
News
Milestones & Memories
May 9, 2025
As the final school bells prepare to ring for the last time this academic year, students across Okmulgee County are trading in their backpacks for caps and gowns, ready to step into a new chapter of l...
this is a test
Funeral Preplanning Tips
News
Funeral Preplanning Tips
May 9, 2025
Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming and emotional process. However, preplanning your own funeral or that of a loved one can help alleviate stress during a difficult time. Here are some helpful t...
this is a test
News
Henryetta to host annual All Sports Banquet May 20
May 9, 2025
Henryetta High School will honor its student-athletes and coaches during the highly anticipated All Sports Banquet, set for Tuesday, May 20. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Henryetta High School...
this is a test
04/28/2025
News
04/28/2025
May 9, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 9700 Block Hornbeam Rd. - RP requested to speak to a deputy in reference to an altercation that took place Saturday night.9:53 a.m. - 12100 Block Gun Club Rd. - RP stated they worked for U...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy