Sports competitions provide an environment for some of the toughest decision-making situations. And baseball managers, more than coaches or managers in other sports, face more tough decisions on a daily basis. This is due in large part to the game’s heavily unscripted format . Players and coaches are forced to react to many twists and turns that unsettle the best laid plans.
A case in point–the Nationals vs. the Giants in game 2 of the National League Division Series Saturday night. After Nats starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman walked a batter with two outs and a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nats manager Matt Williams chose to replace Zimmerman with closer Drew Storen, who quickly gave up a hit that scored the tying run. The Nats lost in 18 innings and fell two games down in the best of five series.
Williams explains the decision in this column by Mike Wise in the Washington Post. You may disagree with Williams’ reasoning–I’m sure thousands of Nats fans do not approve–but you must give Williams credit for one thing, and that is owning the decision.
Owning a decision is one of the six tools of sound decision making. It’s important to embrace a decision that went awry because there will be lessons from that decision that will help in the future. And by owning a decision, even one Williams made that led to such high levels of disappointment for so many, you earn the respect of your peers and enhance your credibility.
In the professional world, few things are more important to securing a sound legacy and an admired reputation.
Tags: decisions, Drew Storen, Matt Williams, MLB, MLB playoffs, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals
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