I grew up in Houston with two brothers in little league who adored baseball.  When the Astros played the Dodgers in the World Series, we were glued to the screen.

There is a lot of life in baseball. After seven nail biting games, here are a few of my takeaways:

Be flexible. You never know what’s going to be thrown your way, but you can bet there will be curve balls, sliders, and change-ups. If you aren’t flexible, you might just crack like the bat when you encounter a really difficult pitch.

Patience and Persistence. It’s important to have patience and be persistent. Watch and wait for the best opportunity. Then–when it feels right–GO FOR IT!

3 Strikes… ARE YOU OUT?

Even when you’ve had strikeouts, how do you reset yourself the next time you go to bat? (And you will go back to bat.)

The Astros’ coach advises players not to worry about what’s being pitched at them…simply worry about their attention to it. 

It’s not what’s thrown your way in life…it’s about how you react to it.

Disappointment is guaranteed. 

Sometimes life the ball doesn’t go in the direction you expected. You are mad, deflated, hurt. Go ahead–feel it. Don’t deny the emotion. (But you might want to smash the water cooler down in the locker room, instead of the dugout…on national TV.)

Once in a While You Hit a Home Run. 

If it came along every time, it wouldn’t be special. But when it does come, bask in the glory of your accomplishment and use it to fuel your next move.

But, don’t get cocky. 

Remember the ones who’ve been with you since the beginning.

Humility is always classy.

It’s a lot more fun when you can share the victory.

Winning the game isn’t always the most important thing.

Sometimes the fans are the real heroes.

And some things take precedence over a World Series parade.

Pitcher Justin Verlander missed the parade in Houston, because he had a wedding to go to…his own.

Some say baseball is a metaphor for life. Yes, I believe that.