Game One

As of Saturday, February 23, 2013 I am to be employed, at least for the short term, as a Public Address announcer in Lakeland, FL. This fact has occupied my mind quite incessantly for the past few days as my first appearance on the mic is looming. Nervous excitement is the feeling that clouds my daily thoughts as I prepare myself for this new experience. I love baseball, and I follow the Detroit Tigers almost obsessively. So, the fact that I will be calling out the names of those that represent the team I love is both surreal and terrifying.

My mantra during the past few days has been a phrase borrowed from JFK. "The only thing I have to fear, is fear itself". I have come to truly believe these words, if only in the way I apply them to this situation. I am confident in my ability to do my job successfully. And it is in this confidence that I believe the only way I will do poorly is if I allow the nervousness created by my fear of failure to affect my performance. By eliminating fear I feel I eliminate any true probability of failure.

But, as I get closer and my thoughts dwell longer on those first audible words that will introduce myself to a crowd of thousands it is difficult not to become a bit anxious. My goal is to do the job perfectly. I don't know what it is I want to do with my life, but maybe this experience could help guide me to wherever it is I should ultimately end up. Regardless of how Saturday goes or any of the many games to follow, I am unshakably certain I will look back and marvel at the opportunity I have been given.


The great Ernie Harwell inspires me.