In the mid-1980s, two of my favorite hitters were Don Mattingly and Wade Boggs. Both had great numbers and sweet swings. They knew a little something about hitting, to be sure.
Then they sat down with Ted Williams, the last player to hit .400 over a season and the author of The Science of Hitting.
The conversation between these three was chronicled in a Sports Illustrated article. It’s worth taking the time to read it.
In summary, Williams took them to school. He pointed out things in their swings that needed work, not holding back from telling them the truth. Over and over, he told them, “You don’t realize what you’re actually doing.” He asked them questions they had never even thought about before.
“I just do what feels right,” said Mattingly (and thousands of hitters and coaches nod their heads). Williams challenged him to study his swing more, to completely understand what he was doing.
The conversation goes on and on as Williams unloads his incredible knowledge of the science of hitting a baseball.
What do you do when Ted Williams speaks about hitting?
You shut up and listen.
Why?
Because he knows more than you. He’s studied every facet of it, inside and out.
Because he’s done more than you. Seriously, it’s Ted Williams.
Because you don’t argue hitting with Ted Williams. Sure, you can try to argue, but he’s going to win.
Because you have more to learn than you realize.
Because doing anything but listening and asking questions–like trying to teach Ted about hitting–is foolish.
This conversation between these three legends reminds me of Proverbs 21:30–“There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord.”
What should we do when God has spoken? Shut up and listen.
Why?
Because he knows more than us.
Because he’s done more than us.
Because you don’t argue life with the creator of life.
Because we have more to learn than we realize.
Because doing anything but listening and asking questions–like trying to tell God how to run his world–is foolish.
There is no wisdom and understanding we bring to the conversation that stands up against the counsel of the Lord.
Maybe for once we should just shut up and listen to God.
Lord Jesus, I’m done trying to do things my way. I’m turning to what you’ve said instead. Speak, Lord. I’m listening. Amen.
