Role Model
As a firefighter, I recognize the need to be a role model in the community. Unfortunately, our society places great emphasis on being able to sing, dance, hit a baseball or shoot a basketball. If someone is famous, society tends to turn a blind eye to all of the baggage that often comes with these “superstars.”
Granted, this is a book about getting hired in the fire service. There are so many parallels, however, between becoming a professional baseball player and a firefighter, that I felt the readers would benefit from the comparison. The challenges are comparable and there is no certainty that your hard work will be rewarded. These occupations both require that you pay your dues up front before you see any benefit. In addition, there are literally thousands of people competing for a few select positions. Each profession requires a person with a good work ethic, drive and determination, who is not afraid of competition.
First of all, it is important to note that I am not a baseball fan. I grew up riding my bicycle to Anaheim stadium to watch batting practice before the Angel games. After the second major league baseball players’ strike, I am no longer interested in baseball. I do, however, appreciate a role model in the community, which is why I have so much respect for Shawn.
I had the great fortune of meeting Los Angeles Dodger center fielder All Star Shawn Green for breakfast. Shawn Green is the brother-in-law of a friend of mine who recently graduated from a junior college fire academy. After attending the graduation ceremony, I learned that during the height of the baseball season, Shawn took the time to attend the graduation. It was difficult enough for me to fit it into my busy schedule, but my schedule is nothing compared to a major league baseball player’s.
Shawn attended the graduation and was simply introduced as Brian’s brother-in-law, Shawn. I appreciate the fact that he took the time to go, and never told anyone of his professional status. He believed this was Brian’s special day. He did not want to take the focus from Brian’s accomplishment.
On another occasion Shawn was hitting baseballs at the local high school while the kids were in class. The local firefighters were running around the field as part of their morning fitness routine. They were used to the high school kids hitting the ball, and were amazed at the stranger crushing the ball. When they inquired about who he was, they were told it was Shawn Green of the Dodgers. They stopped running and stood behind the backstop to watch the show.
Shawn was in a groove and did not notice the audience. When a call came in over the portable radio, he realized he was being watched by the firefighters. He put his bat down and walked over to the firefighters and introduced himself as “Shawn.”
The firefighters introduced themselves and asked him if he was Shawn Green of the Dodgers. Shawn humbly acknowledged it. Instead of keeping the focus on himself, he asked about the Orange County Fire Authority. He mentioned that he had just attended his brother-in-law’s graduation from the fire academy. Knowing that Orange County Fire Authority was going to be testing soon, he asked what Brian could do to get a job. Of course the firefighters gave him their number and said Brian could call them for help.
After hearing these examples of how Shawn conducts himself, I asked Brian to set up a breakfast meeting. I was pleased to learn that Shawn was willing to meet with me. The following is a dialogue between us. The important points to remember are the many similarities between becoming a major league baseball player and a firefighter.
Shawn Green is 30 years old and has been in the “majors” for 10 years. He is a two time All Star and a Gold Glove winner. He played high school baseball at Tustin High School, where he earned straight A’s. He signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Stanford. He always planned to be a professional baseball player.
What do you like best about your job?
Similar to being a firefighter, I enjoy the camaraderie in the clubhouse. We spend a great deal of time together. We play 162 games in 181 days. Chemistry in the clubhouse is immensely important. I have never been in the playoffs. Each year there are one or two teams that have great chemistry. Last year it was the Angels and they went all the way. They did not have all of the talent, but they had the chemistry.
To what do you attribute your success?
Hard work. I have to work hard. Things do not come easy for me. I remember as a rookie standing behind the batting cage and watching guys crush the ball. I thought to myself, “What am I doing here?” These guys are big and strong and they can crush the ball. They are physical specimens and I am not as physically gifted. During game situations, however, they did not produce. One by one they disappeared. Some did not have a strong work ethic, while others did not perform when it counted.
I have to keep on top of my mechanics when it comes to hitting. It’s a constant battle. I lift weights and spend a lot of time in the batting cage.
Do you see yourself as a role model?
Definitely, all athletes are. It’s important that all kids have role models. It’s too easy to be selfish when you make a lot of money and have a lot of fame. Some people just go crazy. This is very comparable to being a firefighter. There are times when you are in a hurry and someone wants to say hello and shake your hand. If you don’t take the time, he or she will remember it forever. Sometimes it can be difficult. It is a little easier for me since I live in Orange County and play in Los Angeles. Most people don’t recognize me.
What do you have to say to people who aspire to be in your position?
I know what Brian, my brother-in-law, is going through to become a firefighter. There are many similarities to my situation. The best advice I can give to anyone who is chasing a dream is that it is important to love what you are doing. If it feels like work, it may not be the right thing for you. You should enjoy 2/3 of what you are doing. It’s not about the money and fame.
You must seize the opportunity to do everything to stack the deck in your favor. You have to be fortunate, but nothing comes without hard work. You also have to have the right doors open for you.
What was your biggest setback?
I recall playing in the minor leagues. I got called up to the majors and did not produce. I stayed up for a month and was sent back down to the minors. It was really tough to get called up and have everyone evaluating you, and then fail. You worry about being a 30-year-old rookie with a family, and never being able to stay in the major leagues.
I also remember playing for the Toronto Blue Jays the year after they won the World Series. The Manager did not like having young players on the roster. The following 3 years we did poorly. He blamed the demise of the team on me. He told me I couldn’t hit left-handed pitchers, and I was not a good outfielder. In short, I became his whipping boy for three years. I kept my head down and continued to work hard. I showed up to work early and left late.
Ultimately, he was fired and I stayed on. The next year I won a Gold Glove and was voted to the All Star team. The important thing is that I didn’t get discouraged and give up. I kept my head down and worked hard.
How do you deal with self-doubt, and what advice do you have for others on how to deal with it?
Everyone experiences self-doubt, no matter what position in life they hold or aspire to. Every time I go to spring training I have performance anxiety. Everyone experiences it, from the best player to the worst one. Everyone has slumps. When you are playing well you worry about going into a slump. When you are playing poorly you worry about getting out of your slump. Ironically I find it easier as I get older. It’s easier to get out of a slump since you have been able to climb out before. It is important to have the confidence to know that you can overcome adversity. People don’t reflect on changes they need to make along the way when things are going well. They only evaluate things when they are going poorly.
If it weren’t for baseball what would you do?
I signed out of high school to play at Stanford. I knew I would be a major league baseball player. In the off-season I took classes toward my degree. If it weren’t for baseball I would have been an Orthopedic Surgeon. I believe people need to figure out what they want to do, and chase their dream. It’s not my personality to go through life without direction. I believe in setting goals and working to accomplish them.
How do you define success?
Success can be different for everyone, depending on his or her challenges. I believe it’s important to accomplish what you set out to do. It is imperative that you learn to accept the struggles and failures along the way.
Shawn Greene is an example of a very public role model whose determination, focus and hard work have enabled him to achieve his professional goals. His willingness to learn from those who are more experienced and work as a team player have helped him reach his goals, and undoubtedly make him well-liked by his teammates. His work ethic, humility and appreciation for his job make him an ideal role model for others to follow.
