Jennie Finch is arguably the most famous softball player in the world. She hopes her success on the mound will now translate to the dugout.
RELATED: Softball Legend Jennie Finch’s Tips for Success
Finch will be the first woman to manage a men’s baseball team. This Sunday, the USA Softball star will manage the independent Atlantic League Bridgeport Bluefish when they play the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
The baseball world is eager to see how the two-time Olympic medalist will perform as a manager, but we know she will excel. In an interview with STACK, Finch revealed the secrets to her success.
1. She knows how to be mentally tough
Finch will face a lot of naysayers as a manager. She will need to be mentally tough to combat the haters and face her fears and doubts to be successful. Finch said, “No matter how many times you play, those doubts and fears are going to be there. Get them out of your head and let them go each time. Believe in yourself, don’t let anyone take anything away from you. You only have to prove yourself for you.”
2. She learns from her mistakes and challenges
Even if it’s just one game, Finch will face adversity She will make mistakes. The key is to learn from the mistakes and turn them into lessons like every good manager. “My biggest defeats were some of my greatest life lessons,” said Finch. “It was learning from the situation and turning heartbreaks and frustrations into determination. There will always be a hurdle, but focus on turning negative energy into positive.”
3. She will come prepared
One of the biggest responsibilities of a team manager is to make sure you and your players come to the game fully prepared. From her time competing in the Olympics, Finch understands what that means. She said, “I remember taking the field for the first time in the Olympics. It was the opening game against Italy, and I had to just keep telling myself, ‘This is the same game you’ve been playing since you were five. You got this. Your teammates and coaches are all behind you . . . just take it one pitch at a time.'”
Finch will manage the Bluefish for only one game, but the attributes she brings could help her find a more permanent spot in a baseball dugout in the near future.
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Jennie Finch is arguably the most famous softball player in the world. She hopes her success on the mound will now translate to the dugout.
RELATED: Softball Legend Jennie Finch’s Tips for Success
Finch will be the first woman to manage a men’s baseball team. This Sunday, the USA Softball star will manage the independent Atlantic League Bridgeport Bluefish when they play the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
The baseball world is eager to see how the two-time Olympic medalist will perform as a manager, but we know she will excel. In an interview with STACK, Finch revealed the secrets to her success.
1. She knows how to be mentally tough
Finch will face a lot of naysayers as a manager. She will need to be mentally tough to combat the haters and face her fears and doubts to be successful. Finch said, “No matter how many times you play, those doubts and fears are going to be there. Get them out of your head and let them go each time. Believe in yourself, don’t let anyone take anything away from you. You only have to prove yourself for you.”
2. She learns from her mistakes and challenges
Even if it’s just one game, Finch will face adversity She will make mistakes. The key is to learn from the mistakes and turn them into lessons like every good manager. “My biggest defeats were some of my greatest life lessons,” said Finch. “It was learning from the situation and turning heartbreaks and frustrations into determination. There will always be a hurdle, but focus on turning negative energy into positive.”
3. She will come prepared
One of the biggest responsibilities of a team manager is to make sure you and your players come to the game fully prepared. From her time competing in the Olympics, Finch understands what that means. She said, “I remember taking the field for the first time in the Olympics. It was the opening game against Italy, and I had to just keep telling myself, ‘This is the same game you’ve been playing since you were five. You got this. Your teammates and coaches are all behind you . . . just take it one pitch at a time.'”
Finch will manage the Bluefish for only one game, but the attributes she brings could help her find a more permanent spot in a baseball dugout in the near future.