Growing Your Own

The Colorado Rockies conducted a check presentation with about 10 nonprofits this week. Afterwards I spoke with Keli McGregor, President of the Rockies, and we chatted about their strategy of growing their talent within their organization. His words focused around "patience" to allow the investment to grow and acheive, and balancing "character" with talent. Only by enduring and working through "slumps" do players really demonstrate their resiliency and grow confidence. He doesn't listen to the radio and media talk shows. Other than patience, their biggest challenge seems to be keeping their players when they prove their worth and are tempted by the big money offered by other teams. His words reminded me so of Tom Landry's philosophy of growing your own. Molding young talent to fit the team's needs. Creating a system that supports inexperience and offers opportunities to play through slumps. Of course there's the risk that while the organization and system support the young that same structure may limit the unique talents, experience and maturity of players as they gain experience and confidence. I look forward to hearing Keli's thoughts on this in the future.