Muscle Minded

Strength and smarts, brains and brawn, muscles and mind are all major factors in competitive athletics. One is no more important than the other in my opinion. You need to have a keen knowledge of your sport, just as much as you are required to prove powerful. These two characteristics create colossal athletes with supreme attributes and advantages. They apply to all athletes no matter the sport.
The ability to perform at the professional level is a gift few people possess. The skills and talent of athletes must be present and shouldn’t be undermined. An understanding of the game is equally vital. Knowledge comes from practice, patience, experience, success and failure. The best athletes make necessary changes, adjust their game and improve themselves constantly. Top-notch players want to learn from past mistakes and take those humble lessons with them to achieve success at even higher levels. Physically and mentally, premier performers plan and prepare their bodies. They take care of the single most important asset--their bodies.
Two particular players come to my mind when I ponder the two essential ingredients in creating an ideal professional athlete--the Yankees’ Mark Teixeria and the Devils’ Martin Brodeur.
Marty returned to net for New Jersey last night for the first time since November 1st. In hockey terms, he was tripped up for sure. Brodeur blasted his way back by blanking the Avalanche on 24 shots for a 4-0 Devils win. It was his 99th career shutout. Brodeur’s phenomenal effort behind goal is extreme and amazing. He is so focused, so strong and slick and has impeccable instincts and rapid reflexes for a goalie. I was impressed Martin didn’t miss a beat but not surprised. He was sidelined three months with an elbow injury but came back just as solid as before. Number 30 moved so well, going from left to right, like the all-time great he is. You could tell how motivated his teammates were playing behind their Hall of Fame net minder. Brodeur’s brains are just as powerful a tool as his burly biceps. He knows hockey and challenges any player who tries to sneak one past him. Opponents attempt to pick his bran with minimal success. When Marty’s in pads and working out on the ice, sit back and enjoy him for all he’s worth.
Mark Teixeria tallied his first Yankee hit yesterday afternoon. He swung from the left side of the plate and reached base safely. I hope it was the first of many, many hits Mark will acquire this season in NY. Teixeria’s a smart a hitter as they come. He swings at good pitches, lays of the bad ones, and knows how to work the count. Mark plays baseball the way it was meant to be played. I love his relaxed approach and switch hitting ability. Mark is a proven power bat and his muscular physique matches his baseball wit. Both are excellent. You cannot ask for more from this sure-handed fielder with exactly the correct mechanics. Watching Teixeria play first base makes me smile. Mark must have been taught by the book growing up on the field. The Gold Glove first baseman continues to get better each year defensively. His arm is like a cannon and his fielding approach awe-inspiring. The part of playing baseball often overlooked is knowing what to do in any given situation. Mark is a situational player and plays the part so well. He knows where to throw the ball to make the right plays and where to hit to advance the runners. If ever there was a well-rounded athlete with smarts and stamina, Teixeira is it.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Read My