There's a small, quiet tradition in baseball that I've always loved. You won't find it in highlight reels or scoreboards, but it says a lot about what it means to be part of a team.
If you're the last out of the inning—if you strike out or ground out and end your team's at-bat—your teammate doesn't wait for you to jog back into the dugout and grab your glove. They bring it to you.
They meet you halfway.
It's not flashy. It's not mandatory. But it's a gesture that says, "I've got you." Especially on the tough days. Especially when your head's down, and you're feeling the weight of frustration, disappointment, or the pressure of letting someone down. In that moment, someone steps up, silently hands you your glove, and walks out to their position alongside you. No words are needed.
And honestly, what a metaphor for life.
Because in business, in leadership, and our personal lives, we all have innings where we strike out. Deals fall through. Clients walk away. Projects flop. Relationships hit a wall. Our confidence gets shaken.
In those moments, what often matters most isn't a big fix—it's someone showing up, handing us our glove, and reminding us we're not alone.
I've been playing baseball for over 40 years. And I've been trying to pick people up for nearly as long. It's not always easy. I don't always get it right. And there are plenty of times when I need the reminder, too. Someone to meet me halfway. Someone to bring me my glove.
Maybe this is your reminder.
In leadership, in friendship, in life—it's not about waiting to be asked. It's about paying attention, anticipating, and showing up!
We all need someone to bring us our gloves sometimes. When we learn to be that person for others, we build teams and lives rooted in trust, loyalty, and something far deeper than just results.
So the next time you see someone who just made the last out—metaphorically or otherwise—don't wait. Bring them their glove.
Wishing you success in business and joy in life,
RM
