WHY PAUL O'NEILL HAS A CLEAR MESSAGE: FOCUS

I love the Internet. I was checking out Paul O'Neill's official website, PaulONeill21.com and something really caught my eye and I had to bring it to your attention, because bottom line, if you didn't know it was there, you might miss it and this list a great list for any kid who wants to make it in the big leagues...and it's compiled by non-other than the Warrior himself, Paul O'Neill.

What Paul recommends for success in the big leagues

• After God and family, care most about your game.

• Don’t smoke, chew tobacco, booze, dope or abuse your body, period.

• DO NOT DO STEROIDS

• Avoid being a media star. It takes time away from your mental preparations to play.

• Drive the speed limit on the road and in your personal life.

• Let the plate umpire know you take bad calls seriously.

• Always be alert defensively. Defense is half the game.

• Work on baserunning even if you are not a speedster. It’s a neglected but important skill. (The Mets in the 2000 World Series) Watch Derek Jeter if you need an example. He is one of the great baserunners ever.

• Learn that’s it’s OK to foul off pitches well. It makes the pitcher work. It gives you another look.

• Start your at-bat in the on-deck circle. Pay attention to the first pitch offerings of the pitcher. Pitchers are creatures of habit.

• Let the manager coach. You work for him not vice versa.

• Above all, remember, baseball is a team game. If you can’t accept that, take up tennis or golf.

I love this list. Read it, give it to your kids to read and damn... I wish this was around when I was playing, I would have followed it religiously if I knew it came from Paul O'Neill.

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