In 1923, Babe Ruth broke the record for most home runs in a season. That same year, he also broke the record for highest batting average.
There is a third record he broke that year that most people don't know about. In 1923, Babe Ruth struck out more times than any other player in Major League Baseball.
Babe Ruth was not afraid to strike out. And it was this fearlessness that contributed to his remarkable career. He was the first player to hit 60 home runs in one season, a record he held for 34 years until Roger Maris hit 61 in 1961. He also held the lifetime total home run record of 714 for 39 years until Hank Aaron broke it in 1974.
He held other records too. He had 1,33o career strike outs - a record he held for 29 years until it was broken by none other than the great Mickey Mantle.
Most people want to hit home runs, the problem is they are afraid to fail in order to get there. As Babe Ruth proved, you can't have one without the other. It's perfectly fine to be a good, solid player who doesn't go down swinging that often...but it also means you won't hit that many home runs. Those players are needed on a team - they are the consistent and reliable players.
However...
If you want to swing for the fences, you have to be willing to strikeout.Download a PDF of this blog post
Are you sure about setting the batting average record? Check again: http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/batting_avg_season.shtml
Posted by: Robert | 06/19/2015 at 03:26 PM
Great article Simon. Failure is the most important component to achieving true success in any area of your life.
Posted by: Greg Liberto | 05/21/2013 at 08:16 AM
Headsettet har en svært viktig posisjon i computer periferiutstyr. Spill, musikk, video, Dre Beats overalt. Kafeer, kontorer og andre anledninger, Beats by Dre, er en viktig produkt av databrukere. Marked Beats by Dre Studio merkevaren mange produktlinjer er også svært homogen, fra enkle hodetelefoner ca 10 yuan til hundre yuan, et par hundre dollar til flere tusen dollar i high-end hodetelefoner, statiske lytter til Dr Dre Beats. Å plukke et par av pris, god kvalitet, er merkekjennskap ikke rart, kan du være litt forvirret og engstelig. Det finnes nær titalls til modellene kjente til de velkjente merker av produkter, er det nesten ikke navn pris lav såkalt no-name er ikke forferdelig parallellimport, gjorde du ikke tør garantere å selge virksomheter også kan ikke garantere din lomme pengene de aldri ville gjøre en slik garanti.
Posted by: ruanjingjie | 02/19/2012 at 10:14 PM
Which proves, Simon, that there's no such thing as failure only constant improvement when you come back for more. What a Babe!!
Posted by: John Sherry | 07/20/2011 at 07:53 AM
I am new to this blog, I must admit it ranks up there among one of the most unique blog ideas I have ever seen.
Posted by: Buy Atripla Online | 07/20/2011 at 06:14 AM
Great job buddy! I think you should also share information pertaining to the inner industry details. That would make your article more informative.
Posted by: Buy Mobic Online | 06/21/2011 at 08:55 AM
As you pointed out, obviously Babe Ruth didn't let it get to him.
Posted by: buy phentermine | 05/02/2011 at 04:24 AM
Such a great post and great story! Thanks for the read!
Posted by: Truck service Center | 02/28/2011 at 03:36 PM
very true. Thanks for that nugget, Simon. To me, it shows that when you give it your all (aiming for a homerun), you're bound to strike out more than most. Pretty inspirational... Thanks for the lift.
Posted by: bucket trucks | 02/08/2011 at 11:54 AM
This perfect Nike Womens Shox Sport Trainer (Metallic Silver/White/Ice Blue) shoes is always suitable for many other occation,such as shopping,working whatever you like.We are sure to provide you with discounted price and fantastic quality.We've other sorts of colletion,please click on the categories for more information.This shoes features colorful vamp with the white patent leather Nike swoosh on the side panel for decoration.On this shoes,you also can seen many outstanding accessories and technical specifications.What do you wait for?Pick up the great nike shox shoes!
Posted by: Nike Shox For Cheap | 01/25/2011 at 07:59 PM
Reminds me of Wayne Gretsky's quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.”
Posted by: Matthew Weiss | 03/30/2010 at 03:27 PM
Along the lines of not being afraid to strike out, I would add that when you do strike out, don't let it overwhelm you or prevent you from trying again. As you pointed out, obviously Babe Ruth didn't let it get to him.
In fact, all kinds of successful people have "struck out" plenty of times, but they've all learned how to look past the sting of their failure, find the positive, and try again. (If you're interested, check it out: http://tenaciousme3.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/you%e2%80%99ve-been-rejected-%e2%80%93-congratulations/)
Posted by: Laura Lee Bloor | 03/30/2010 at 01:16 PM
I have been using a baseball anology in my public speaking lately. I didn't know this story, but it is right on target. So many business owners want success, but worry along the way of how it looks. I say a home run is a home run, no matter how you slide into the plate! Love your article!
Posted by: Renee Schofield | 03/30/2010 at 01:01 PM
Great article, Simon! Very inspiring and also very appropriate with baseball season coming soon. Didn't know about Babe Ruth's strike out record...very interesting!
Posted by: AndyGCook | 03/30/2010 at 12:16 PM