Hey there,
I want to share something a little different with you today. I’ve spent my life around baseball, and if you know me, you know I was a catcher. That little dude squatting behind the plate, with every pitch screaming past you at 85+ mph, taught me a lot more than how to frame a fastball. It actually taught me how to run a business. Yeah, really.
Here’s the deal: being a great catcher requires skills, focus, and mindset that translate perfectly to entrepreneurship. If you’re trying to crush it in business or even just in life, here’s what catching taught me and how you can use it today.
1. You Have to Be a Leader of People
When you’re behind the plate, everyone is looking at you. The pitcher, the infielders, even the coach. Your job isn’t just to catch the ball; it’s to guide the entire defense. I remember one game in high school: our pitcher was wild that day, throwing everything over the plate except where it needed to go. I had to stay calm, coach him through the pitches, and keep the infield ready for anything. It was exhausting but also a masterclass in leadership.
Why this matters: If you can’t lead people, your team or business is going to fall apart.
What I learned:
- You have to know how to motivate. Some guys need a pep talk, others need a little tough love.
- You have to work with all types of personalities. Not everyone sees the game or life the same way.
- You need a high EQ. Understanding how people feel and how they react under pressure is non-negotiable.
Action steps you can take:
- Start small: check in with someone you work with today and ask how they’re really doing.
- Observe: notice how people respond to different styles of communication.
- Lead by example: if you want hard work, put in hard work first.
Why it matters: People follow energy. If you can lead and inspire a small team on the baseball field, you can do the same in business, at work, or at home.
2. Develop an Array of Skills and Be Good at All of Them
A catcher doesn’t just catch. You block, throw, call pitches, read the hitter, handle bunts, steal signs… the list goes on. One night, I remember calling pitches for a pitcher who had zero confidence. I had to handle his nerves, predict the hitter’s tendencies, and even cover a bunt when the third baseman didn’t move fast enough. I literally had to do five different jobs in one inning.
Why this matters: Entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats too. Marketing, sales, operations, finances… you can’t be mediocre at just one thing.
Action steps you can take:
- Identify your weak spots and make a plan to improve. Can’t sell? Take a short course. Bad at time management? Try a new app or system.
- Practice the basics every day. Even the small things matter.
- Surround yourself with people who complement your skills. Great teams make up for individual gaps.
Why it matters: The more skills you master, the more confident and adaptable you’ll be in business. If a curveball comes at you in life, you won’t flinch.
3. Success is Predicated on Preparation
Here’s a secret: great catchers aren’t just good because they’re talented. They’re prepared. They know the hitter, the pitcher, the count, the situation. They’ve studied, drilled, and anticipated. I used to spend hours in the offseason watching video of hitters, even minor league games, so I could anticipate what they might do in any count.
Why this matters: Business is no different. Wing it and you’ll fail. Plan and execute and you’ll succeed.
Action steps you can take:
- Plan your week ahead of time and know your top three priorities.
- Study your market, your competition, and your audience. Knowledge is power.
- Practice relentlessly. The more you drill, the more natural it becomes under pressure.
Why it matters: Preparation equals confidence. Confidence equals performance. Performance equals results. On the field or in business, preparation is your secret weapon.
4. Anticipation is Everything
A catcher who can anticipate the next pitch, a steal, or a bunt is a game-changer. You have to think ahead, read body language, and stay one step ahead of everyone else. I’ll never forget a playoff game where I knew the runner was going on first pitch. I set up, blocked the ball, and tagged him out by a mile. Everyone on the team thought I was psychic but really, I had just studied the guy for months.
Why this matters: In business, being proactive beats being reactive every time.
Action steps you can take:
- Think two moves ahead: what’s likely to happen next in your project or meeting?
- Watch patterns: customers, competitors, even team members often show predictable behavior.
- Act early: solve problems before they blow up. Don’t wait for chaos.
Why it matters: When you anticipate, you stay calm and in control. You avoid unnecessary mistakes. And you look like a genius whether you’re calling pitches or making business decisions.
5. Lead by Example
Catching taught me that words alone don’t cut it. If I wanted my team to hustle, I had to hustle. If I wanted focus, I had to focus. If I wanted energy, I had to bring it first. I remember during a brutal summer tournament—triple-digit heat, sun beating down, everyone sweating buckets—I was still the one jogging drills, yelling encouragement, and cheering the guys on. Soon, everyone followed.
Why this matters: Leadership isn’t about giving orders; it’s about showing the way.
Action steps you can take:
- Model the behavior you want to see in your team.
- Take responsibility for mistakes first. Own it.
- Celebrate wins, even the small ones. Motivation is contagious.
Why it matters: People follow actions, not words. If you consistently show up, work hard, and care, your team will follow. It’s that simple.
The Takeaway
Catching taught me lessons that I now use every single day as a business owner. Leadership, versatility, preparation, anticipation, and leading by example—these aren’t just baseball skills. They’re life skills. And they can make you a better entrepreneur, teammate, and human.
Whether you’re swinging a bat, running a company, or just trying to level up in life, remember: it’s the small daily habits, the prep work, and the ability to read the room that separate the good from the great.
Catch every opportunity and don’t just react—anticipate.
See you at the gym,
Joey
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