The College World Series starts this weekend in Omaha, NE

I know the College World Series is a big deal in Omaha.  We just built $150,000,000 facility to keep it around for another 25 years after hosting it for over 50 years.  The city loves it.  The College World Series loves Omaha.  ESPN has been touting the Road to Omaha for weeks, and with a brand new stadium we will be the talk of the sports world for ten hot, humid days of June.

What a casual observer does not know is how much an impression this series makes on the players of America’s favorite past time — Baseball.  Last November, Jay and I met Cal Ripken, JR.  better known as Iron Man.  He holds baseball’s record of most games consecutively played – 2632 consecutive games, 17 straight years without missing a game.  He was loved in Baltimore and other big league cities because of his work ethic.  Jay and I met him and he said to us “I love Omaha.  I hear they have a new stadium and I would love to come see it.”

Mike and Jay Root discuss the Omaha College World Series with Iron Man Cal Ripkin, Jr.

Here are a few comments to share as we get ready to enjoy our baseball moments of glory in Omaha.  Cal told us of 8 elements of perseverence that make a difference.

1. The Right Approach -  It entails the right attitude, a personal mission statement, and a honest simple approach
2. A strong will to succeed – Your drive, the fire within, your desire
3. Passion for what you do – Love what you do, too many people working doing things they hate, passion carries you through and makes it worthwhile
4. Love to Compete – you’ll have internal and external competitions and you have to tame both, when you have success don’t get complacent
5. Consistency – ability to perform everyday, solve problems and find solutions quickly, make yourself irreplaceable
6. Conviction – you need thick skin, need to be stubborn about seeing things through to the end
7. Strength – physical and mental, there is a link between excercising and maintaining focus
8. Life management – how can I bring control over aspects of my life and achieve balance

So as you are watching the College World Series from Omaha this month, think of Iron Man who never gave up no matter what because he had a job to do.  Where do you measure up on a perseverence scale?  If it’s not as high as you would like, take a look at Cal Ripkin’s 8 steps to see how you can become an “Iron Man” as well.

And of course look for Jay and I along the third base line.  Cal, if you’re reading this let me know and I’ll get you some tickets to come join us.