Brooklyn Baseball Coach Has The Chutzpah To Envision A Better World

Through meditation, I realized the “seven meeting strategy” I use to coach baseball (30 years in New York City) may enable the reduction of war and violence on earth. In crafting a constructively critical narrative, America and Israel stand as neighboring lands teeming with intellectuals amid towering walls and bustling cities, not merely symbols of prosperity but also stark inequality. In this aggregate, yet self reflective landscape, Walter Scheidel's thesis in "The Great Leveler" resonates deeply, suggesting that periods of extreme inequality often precede cataclysmic events. Indeed, the wealth amassed by America's ruling elite, built upon the toil of the oppressed, mirrors the foundational injustices echoed in the struggles of Israel.

America's journey, marred by the genocides and displacements of native inhabitants and the exploitation of enslaved peoples, lays bare the dark underbelly of its prosperity. In contrast, Israel, emerging from a history of persecution, grapples with inequality shaped by barriers and settlements erected for security amidst the looming threat of conflict. Scheidel's insights into the role of war in redistributing wealth ring true, underscoring how conflict perpetuates injustice as resources are amassed and power consolidated through conquest.
Today, as tensions simmer between Israelis and Palestinians, Scheidel's perspective illuminates the role of wealth disparity in fueling cycles of violence. Finger-pointing and blame-shifting, rooted not only in historical grievances but also in present-day resource disparities, underscore the urgency of addressing underlying structures of inequality to foster true progress.

Amidst this turmoil, voices advocating for change recognize that breaking free from the cycle of violence demands more than superficial gestures of reconciliation. A fundamental reimagining of society, prioritizing justice and equity over the status quo, emerges as the path forward.

Stepping back from the fray, one sees the erasure of nations through genocide as a haunting reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and inequality. America and Israel's struggles are not distant conflicts but cautionary tales of what happens when the pursuit of greatness comes at the expense of others.

In this delicate balance between complacency and progress lies the fate of America and Israel. By heeding the lessons of the past and striving for a more equitable and just society, there lies hope to overcome the legacy of inequality and forge a path towards lasting peace and prosperity.

In parallel, Thomas Piketty's examination of wealth inequalities sheds light on the myth of the American Dream, juxtaposed against America's post-World War II prosperity and its geopolitical advantages. The United States, lauded as the epitome of capitalism, operates within a mixed economy framework blending free markets with government regulation. Central to the American Dream narrative is the belief in meritocracy, where hard work leads to success, reinforcing support for capitalist ideals.

Russia's history of communism, contrastingly, leaves a legacy of state ownership and central planning, persisting even after transitioning to a market economy post-Soviet era. Piketty's ideas challenge the American Dream's narrative, revealing a widening wealth gap and undermining meritocratic notions, less appealing to those invested in upholding this ideal.

Nostalgia for the American Dream serves as a populist tool to distract from Piketty's research on wealth inequality, deflecting attention from systemic issues and framing nuanced dialogue as unpatriotic. Reports of Piketty manipulating data weaken his argument, yet his research prompts policymakers to reconsider economic policies aimed at addressing inequality.
Opponents validate the American Dream with notions of individual responsibility and social mobility through education and hard work. However, social mobility declines, undermining the Dream's meritocratic promise.

Belief in the American Dream benefits consumerism, driving economic growth despite hindering individual wealth accumulation. Marcel Proust's exploration of human behavior, exemplified in "In Search of Lost Time," reveals the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

Similarly, William James' writings on belief and truth underscore the complexity of human consciousness and societal expectations. Both Proust and James offer insights into the paradoxes inherent in human behavior and societal ideals.

Meanwhile, in the realm of high school baseball, my teachings mirror the journey towards self-improvement and collective success. Through imaginative exercises and strategic planning, I try to guide my team towards greatness, emphasizing the importance of individual growth within a cohesive team framework. Just as America and Israel navigate their complex histories, the baseball team learns to overcome self-imposed limitations and strive towards a brighter future, echoing the quest for justice and equity in society.

Meeting One:
"Alright, team, let's start with a little brain teaser. Imagine a monkey, an elephant, and a horse. Now, if they were given the choice between a banana and $100, what do you think each of them would choose?"

Meeting Two:
"Last time, we talked about our animal friends and their preferences. You all agreed that animals would go for the banana. But when it came to us humans, we chose the money. Why do you think that is?"

Meeting Three:
"Remember how we discussed humans being unique because of our imagination? It's what sets us apart. With imagination, we can dream big and cooperate to achieve incredible things. But sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves can also hold us back. What self-imposed limitations do you think these stories create?"

Meeting Four:
"Okay, team, now let's talk strategy. If you trust me as much as you trust that piece of paper with no intrinsic value over a banana, we can achieve great things together. Imagine what our path to winning the state championship would look like. What processes do we need to implement for the best chance of success?"

Meeting Five:
"Picture it, team: us celebrating on the pitcher's mound as state champions. But to get there, we need to reverse engineer our journey. Let's break down every step from that moment back to where we are now. It's time to visualize the hard work ahead."

Meeting Six:
"Today, I want to share a story that embodies the seven habits of highly effective people by Steve Covey. Close your eyes and imagine us on a baseball field with an invisible electric fence. The closer we get to the edge, the more we risk being shocked. Some might feel paralyzed, but the best push through, lifting the team to greatness."

Meeting Seven:
"Alright, team, it's time to talk individual and team improvement. How do you plan to sharpen your skills while also helping the team grow stronger? Let's hear your ideas for sharpening both your saw and the team's saw at the same time."

Jose Franco: Pitching Coach (2008 PSAL B New York City Champions) Morris High School (Bx) & Author of "How To Get Better At Things You Don't Think You're Bad At By 2020" (2019)