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The Chicago Cubs are Going to The World Series!

Tom at NLCS

A True Leadership Breakthrough

As you’ve likely noticed, I have this blog called Leadership Breakthroughs on the Chicago Executive Coaching website. So, I’m compelled to use my little forum to share my gratitude to the Chicago Cubs’ management.  The National League Pennant is an Epic Leadership Breakthrough achievement. From the top down, the Cubs have given us an example of combining vision and execution.

We’re going to the World Series! 

There’s an abundance of media coverage on the Cubs right now.

Theo

Theo Epstein, in his post-champagne shower attire, acknowledges our gratitude.

What more can "I" say?

Well. there is a little more. Thanks for allowing me to share my viewpoint and feelings with you.  Hope it helps in some way.

I don’t have a formal Bucket List.  But if I did, I’m not sure that I would have had the foresight to put this on my list:

Witnessing the Cubs win The National League Pennant

I didn’t dare dream about it.  Now, I’m elated and grateful that I can check this off my hypothetical Bucket List.

Tom at NLCS

Gratitude, Blessings and Curses

I’m also grateful that my grandfather, a retired Chicago Firefighter, took me to my first Cub’s game in 1964. That day, I was able to walk up the steps and be wowed by the greenery of Wrigley Field.  An Ernie Banks game winning Grand Slam was icing on the cake.

I have fond memories of by 1969 Bleacher Bum experience.  Every game was a pep-rally experience. Pitcher Dick Selma led the cheers from the bull pen. We really got our money’s worth from those 90-cent general admission bleacher tickets. To the tune of “He’s got the whole world in his hands”, all of left field sang together about having the Eastern Division, National League Pennant and The World Series “in our hands” with each succeeding verse. But it slipped away. Manager Leo Durocher ran the regulars into the ground through the long hot summer. In the end, The Amazing Mets had the Eastern Division, National League Pennant and World Series in their hands. Ouch.

I’m grateful that my parents (in 1972) bought the house next to Cubs 3rd Baseman Ron Santo. I thereby had a chance to know him personally. And, to watch him hit a walk-off game winning home run from seats he provided.  I’m wearing my Santo jersey in the photo above.

Now this. The Cubs win The Pennant!

The Vision

As you’ve likely noticed, I have this blog called Leadership Breakthroughs on the Chicago Executive Coaching website. So, I’m compelled to use my little forum to share my gratitude to the Chicago Cubs’ management.  The National League Pennant is an Epic Leadership Breakthrough achievement. From the top down, the Cubs have given us an example of combining vision and execution.

Vision without action is a daydream.  Action without vision is a nightmare.

– Japanese Proverb


Before the arrival of the Ricketts, Theo Epstein and Joe Madden, we lived the daydreams and the nightmares.  Never both. Until now.

At Saturday night’s post game awards ceremony, Owner Tom Ricketts accepted the the National League trophy then turned to hand it off to Theo Epstein. Theo declined.  Perhaps a with superstition similar to the one in hockey where the winning captain avoids touching the division championship trophy, Instead they wait to raise the Stanley Cup.

As I write this, the Cubs need four more wins to win for the ultimate trophy. Theo’s Epstein’s Vision extends beyond the National League Pennant.

For those if us non-players who can’t control of influence the World Series, let’s choose to enjoy the rest of the journey.

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Acknowledgements

  • Photo of me and NLCS ticket: JD Gershbein
  • Photo of Theo: Dennis Vo – my Beta House Dad’s Day Beer Pong Partner
  • Grandpa Walter Hilberg for those first visits to Wrigley Field.
  • Aaron & Laura Reed, Kevin Lemanski and Spencer Maus for tickets during this historic season.