Byron's Babbles

I find it apropos that I recently began doing reading about my childhood baseball hero, Pete Rose, and yesterday he is reinstated to baseball. It’s about time! As excited as I am about that and the prospect of him finally getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame, that’s not what this post is about. It’s about “Charlie Hustle.” Rose’s determination and energetic approach earned him the nickname, symbolizing his never-give-up attitude and dedication to the game. Pete Rose was nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” because of his incredible work ethic, relentless effort, and constant hustle on the baseball field. He was known for his aggressive style of play—always giving 100%, running hard to first base (even when walked), sliding headfirst into bases, and never giving up on plays.

In the book I just finished, Pete Rose: An American Dilemma, by Kostya Kennedy, Wade Boggs was said to have commented that it doesn’t take any ability to hustle and that he had learned the game from Pete Rose. The beauty of it is that hustle and effort are qualities accessible to us all, regardless of natural talent or skill level in whatever we do. Pete was known for getting to the baseball park before everyone and leaving after everyone was long gone.

One of my prized possessions in my office is a signed photograph of Pete sliding head-first into second (see featured photo). He inscribed it “SAFE”. It reminds me every day to hustle and jump head-first into everything I do, giving it my all. We can learn from the example of Pete Rose’s relentless work ethic and hustle on the field

I am continuing to be inspired by the great book, Pete Rose: An American Dilemma, by Kostya Kennedy. I already wrote inspired by Pete Rose in Leading By Being A Beacon & Support Beam. Yesterday, while reading, I was intrigued by Kennedy telling that one of Rose’s team members said that Rose always knew what time it was in each of his teammates’ lives. In other words, he had a deep understanding and awareness of where each team member is personally and professionally. That is a pretty amazing skill for a leader to possess, don’t you think? It means, as leaders, we recognize the different stages, challenges, priorities, and circumstances that each individual is experiencing.

This kind of awareness allows us to offer tailored support, show empathy, and foster stronger relationships. It helps in creating an environment where team members feel seen, valued, and understood, which can boost morale and promote more effective collaboration.

Pete Rose, renowned for his leadership and keen understanding of his team, was known to pay close attention not just to their skills on the field but also to their personal lives and circumstances. He believed that knowing what time it was in each player’s life—whether they were facing personal challenges, celebrating milestones, or dealing with pressure—allowed him to connect with them more deeply. By demonstrating genuine empathy and awareness of their individual situations, Pete fostered a sense of trust and loyalty within his team. This approach helped him motivate players more effectively, as they felt seen and valued beyond just their athletic performance. Such mindful leadership created a supportive environment that contributed to both team cohesion and individual growth.