A base-runner steals second with ease and takes an aggressive lead off second. The pitcher delivers a pitch to the plate and the catcher makes a powerful pick-off throw behind the runner to the shortstop at second base. The base-runner, scrambling, dives back to the bag and is safe by a whisker. Next pitch, same scenario. The base-runner avoids being picked off, by the slimmest of margins. Third pitch, the catcher is confident and fires a dart to second base. As soon as the ball is in the air, the base-runner breaks for third base. He arrives safe, easing into the bag as the shortstop, on second base behind him, catches the ball. The defense was so concerned with the pick-off, they forgot that the base-runner wants to go forward, to the next base.

The aggressive and capable base-runner always looks to advance, to go forward, opting for the right time and the right place to take the next base in safe fashion. This base-runner, blessed with speed, smarts and great instincts, baited the catcher into making an unnecessary throw and stole a base with ease. 

Think "forward" as the goal and advance one base closer to scoring a run. Go forward; go great.

The late, great Junior Seau was one of the most energetic, enthusiastic and dynamic players in the history of the NFL and is a virtual lock to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame. A significant key to his long-term success was his take-no-prisoner, give-no-quarter all-out attitude that he displayed play after play, year after year. Every snap, whether in practice or in a game, Seau went full speed with reckless abandon and a wanton disregard for fatigue, pain or slacking.

This attacking mindset is not always prevalent in the NFL during practices. Most players prefer to "save" their maximal effort for a game. Early in his career, a teammate pulled Seau aside at practice and asked why he practiced so hard. Seau said, "...I get paid to practice. I play the game for free." Seau said that any player could feel the adrenaline rush of a game atmosphere and play in a fired-up state, but that it took a particular and special player to practice at game speed and with game intensity.

Unless you are an anatomical fluke of nature, your longest finger is your middle finger. Thus, with few if any exceptions, when a pitcher throws a baseball, the last finger in contact with the ball is the middle finger. No matter how a pitcher grips the ball, the middle finger is the final contact point. So, the emphasis on grips is overrated, in this sense: because the final contact point remains the same regardless of grip, it is as important to vary the angle of the hand at that release point as it is to change the grip.

For instance, a 2-seam fastball is released with an over-the-top hand angle. In other words, the thumb is under the ball. A sinker, by contrast, is released with a pronated hand angle, i.e., the thumb remains under the ball although at an angle more to the outside of, or away from, the body. A so-called knuckle-curve is released with a supinated grip, meaning the thumb is on the inside and upper portion of the ball, almost as if the pitcher is throwing a football.

Note: It is paramount that a young pitcher, in particular, recognize that each of the pitches described above, in addition to many others, may be released with the same motion as a typical 4-seam fastball. No twist or curvature or awkward movement of the hand, wrist, arm or elbow is required in order to impart movement of the ball. 

Focus as much on your hand angle as your grip, and see the improvement. The simpler a pitcher makes his task, the more he can focus on excellence. Throw strikes, throw great, and be great.

Pete Rose was in large part a self-made hitter who became baseball's all time hits leader through sheer will-power and perseverance. He cared about little in the world other than getting base-hits that contributed to team victories  - while his story presents many lessons on what NOT to do in life off the field, his obsessive, driven attitude is exactly the kind that leads to success on the field. He became the Hit King, and, as he tells everyone, his most important stat is not 4256 (his number of hits). His greatest stat and favorite number is 1972: the number of wins his teams accrued. 

In a recent short-film documentary, Rose was asked for his keys to greatness. He responded that greatness does not reside in pure technique. Rather, greatness is a result of an attitude comprised of 3 essentials.

1) Be aggressive.
2) Be more aggressive.
3) Never be satisfied.

If you want to win on the field, and in life, heed the words of the Hit King!