Brian Cleary "Reach Out for Advice"

Brian Cleary • University of Cincinnati Head Baseball Coach • Fairfield University, '90

“WINwithCLASS” – what a great concept for an athlete, especially one in college or high school!  Before I was even asked to contribute to this site with some advice of my own, I had become aware of the slogan (I do follow IUP baseball because of the fact that Jeff Ditch used to be on our staff at UC) and it piqued my interest.  What exactly does it mean?

I assume that anyone who looks into the “WINwithCLASS” program can grasp a general sense of what this program might strive for pretty easily.  But upon thinking about it more deeply, I would also assume that we might each come up with some more specific thoughts on what it would mean to us to “WINwithCLASS.”  That being said, I would like to offer the following as both my advice to those trying to win with class and as my thoughts on what this means.

My advice:

• We are all most at peace when we spend the bulk of our time and energy on that which is most important to us.  Decide what is important and manage your time so that you can devote yourself to the things that are important to you.  As an athlete, I am hopeful that you have made the decision to be great.  Structure your life to spend as much time and energy as possible to ensure your success as an athlete.  I am hopeful that you have made the decision to also be great as a student.  Structure your life to ensure your success in this area.  Do the same for the other parts of your life that you have decided are important to you (son, friend, etc.).  Finally, know that what is most important to you will change as your life changes – there is no shame in changing the way you spend your time.  When baseball no longer is most important to you, do not continue to spend (waste, in this case) your time (or your coach’s time) on it. 

• Decide what you really want to be great at.  Once you make this decision, you will have a much clearer path and a much easier time staying focused on doing the things that will allow you to achieve greatness.

• Be a teammate.  For most athletes, baseball players included, the team is the only forum you have in which to display your talents.  You cannot play baseball by yourself.  Remember this.  The team is always more important than you.  If you are good enough to move on to the professional ranks, earn All-Conference honors, etc. you will do so.  But to put these accomplishments above the welfare of your team is selfish (and unnecessary since you will accomplish these things anyway if you are good enough and with the support of teammates).  Finally, when your career ends, you will have enjoyed it more because of time spent with teammates than because of any individual accomplishment.

• Be a “low-maintenance” person.  Nobody wants to chase you around because you are not organized enough, committed enough or smart enough to take care of the details of your life.  Make and keep commitments.  Pay attention to details.  Communicate.  GO TO CLASS.

• BE HONEST.  Being honest is not a sometimes thing, it’s an all the time thing.  Know that failure in this area usually starts small and grows bigger (the little lie needs a bigger one to cover it).  When you fail in this area you do lasting damage to your reputation.

• Carry yourself appropriately.  This includes how you dress, whether or not you shave.  Do you really want that earring?  Learn how to speak clearly and to handle yourself in a group setting.  Be respectful of others.  Listen.

What is it to WINwithCLASS?  In my opinion, when you WINwithCLASS you have done the following:

• You have maximized your abilities – both athletically and academically.  You will have identified and executed how you can best contribute to the success of the team.  You have achieved at your highest level academically.  You have been held accountable for your contributions and failures both on the field and in the classroom and you have held your teammates accountable for their contributions and failures.

• You have committed to being a part of something bigger that yourself.  You have embraced the idea that you contribute the success of the team and take great pride in the accomplishments (both academically and athletically) and conduct of the team.  You, as a team member, set a positive example for teammates, others in the University community and fans.

• The decisions you make and the actions you take, while not always perfect, are made with the best interests of the team in mind and made with the knowledge of how they will help you achieve your goals.  Your coaches, administrators and supporters will always be able to defend your actions because they are always undertaken with the best intentions.

Best of luck as you strive to WINwithCLASS.  I will be following.

Sincerely,

Head Baseball Coach

University of Cincinnati