Be a Good Teammate

In the 2001 Major League Baseball All-Star game, Alex Rodriguez was selected to be the starting shortstop for the American League. Before the game, Rodriguez asked his manager, Joe Torre if he could switch positions with Cal Ripkin Jr. This selfless act by Rodriguez allowed the future Hall of Famer to play the first inning at shortstop, which was the position Ripkin had played for the majority of his career. Rodriguez showed tremendous humility by doing something special for a teammate. Ripkin was extremely grateful for the gesture, saying “It felt good getting that glimpse, and going back in time. I did play most of my career from that perspective.”

Being a good teammate is a valuable asset for any coach. A good teammate seeks to make the team successful by putting the needs of the team ahead of individual achievement. They understand that the team will reach its full potential only when each team member contributes. To “stir up” is to incite or prompt something in the lives of others. We are stirring up actions and qualities in our teammates on a daily basis. Our words and behaviors affect those around us. When we are positive with our words, it breeds positivity within the group. When we communicate love to our teammates, we are planting seeds of unity. Over time, these seeds grow into tight bonds among teammates that create an atmosphere of trust.

Good teammates seek to stir up these qualities within the context of the team. Love, unity, and trust are key components for championship teams. Good teammates “stir up” by depositing positive words into the lives of their teammates. They speak life-giving words that build others up instead of words of death that tear down other people. We act as a stirring agent by putting ourselves in the midst of the action. Operating from a team first mindset means there is no task that is too small for us to perform. Humble service of teammates communicates value to those we serve. It is amazing how serving others in love will soften the hearts of those we serve. Being a good teammate is contagious. It doesn’t take long for other people to get involved in stirring one another up to love and good works. When teammates are stirring one another up to love and good works, they are putting the team in a position to be successful.