The World Series and the Code

What lessons did you learn from the World Series?  Or, how did you see the Code reflected?  We saw several things.  Often we hear someone say, “one team wanted it more than the other.”  That is not necessarily true.  What is true is that whenever two teams play, one is going to lose.  Both teams “gave their best effort” and what is true is that one won and one lost.  Learning to accept defeat, to learn from it, gain experience from it, gain perspective from it is also important, and may well pay off in many different ways throughout life.  How about Carlos Beltron?  He is player who is an example of “putting team goals ahead of personal goals.”  Those who know the Houston team know that one of the reasons for the success of the team was having a 40 year old future Hall of Famer on the bench and in the clubhouse to help create a confident and winning spirit.  Does anyone play that role on your team?  How about the unfortunate incident in which a camera caught Houston player Yuli Gurriel in the dugout apparently making fun of Dodger pitcher Darvish?  Gurriel immediately apologized, saying it was “ an offensive gesture that was indefensible…. I deeply regret it. I would particularly like to apologize to Yu Darvish, a pitcher that I admire and respect.”  In last night’s game, facing Darvish for the first time since the incident, Gurriel tipped his hat to the pitcher in a sign of respect and of his apology.  For his part, after the incident Darvish even more admirably said: “What he had done today isn’t right, but I believe we should put our effort into learning rather than to accuse him,” Darvish wrote about Gurriel. “If we can take something from this, that is a giant step for mankind. Since we are living in such a wonderful world, let’s stay positive and move forward instead of focusing on anger. I’m counting on everyone’s big love.”  The Code talks about taking responsibility, which Gurriel did, but Darvish’s response is even more admirable.  And don’t forget the Houston front office which flew 250 members of the organization out to L.A. to see the game – team goals ahead of personal goals (profit)!  What other lessons did you see?