Hello followers,
The start of the second half is here in the Florida State League. We ended the first half in third place, a half game out of second. As a team, we did not start off hot but ended strong. Personally, I had a horrible first half. I went through many changes. I had my first experience in the bullpen, went down to extended and then got three starts to end the first half. I have always been told “it’s not how you start but how you finish.” I am going to be returning to the bullpen again this second half, and I know that it will better. I have made adjustments and these will come into play this upcoming half.
This half, I am going to pitch like I did when I was drafted. I have been told to do “this and that” by coaches, but lately that has not worked. So, I will do what got me here. I am a great pitcher, and I just need to remind myself this sometimes. It is all about that attitude up on that mound anyway. People can inform you about this and that on mechanics, but it basically just comes down to competing with that hitter. That is it!
Does not matter how you get it done, just get it done. You can’t beat yourself up when someone gets a hit off of you. You just get back on that bump and fight against the next person trying to hit you. Compete at your highest level while going with your instincts.
As a pitcher, you can only control where you throw the ball. You can’t control what your fielders do behind you or how the catcher receives the ball. So just get up on that mound and throw the ball with conviction. At the end of the day, you want to know that you competed your butt off and had fun doing it. Walk around with confidence and know that you can beat anyone in that box. Any sport that you play, compete at the best of your ability and at the end of the day you will be satisfied. Know the results will not always be in your favor, but that you gave it your all.
I will make myself better, living by these examples in life and baseball.
I will compete to the very end and always count my blessings. Life truly is a blessing.
Until next time,
Ryan Shopshire
Ephesians 4:17-24
