New information is only new until you hear it.  It can be foreign and uncomfortable at first, but inevitably becomes a usable data point.

Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006, wraps it up stunningly here:

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.

During my playing days, I spent the 2008 off-season working with a bright, grizzly SoCal hitting coach named Craig Wallenbrock in a grimy old batting cage nestled in a warehouse parking lot. You would never know that the “Ballyard” existed. It was a hidden (not sparkling) gem utilized heavily by local pro players.

Craig showed me video of Vlad Guerrero and Paul Konerko, illuminating the position of the fist of the “follow” arm. He suggested this alignment for me, as he saw it as optimal for getting the bat in the zone earlier. This information was totally foreign (and counter to my current position), and I fought back the desire to totally discount the intel based on my personal discomfort.

After a few days and multiple conversations, Craig showed me how much time and energy he’d spent thinking through his concept. He had what he perceived to be video proof, utilizing stacks of VHS tapes and shoving them into a all-in-one black and white VCR/TV combo.

I wasn’t certain that he was right, but after the clear care and consideration coupled with the repeated explanation of concepts, the information didn’t feel threatening anymore. I was able to let my guard down.

I quickly implemented the suggested changes, practiced them consistently through the off-season and had what was unequivocally one of my most productive seasons at the plate.

Whether I performed well because of Craig’s theories or not is immaterial for the purpose of this post. I could have totally discounted the counsel he gave me those days, but at least I had it. The most important takeaway is that the case he made for the change was only foreign momentarily, and frankly, that was the only time it made my stomach queasy. From the point he sat with me and described the concepts, I became more flexible of thought. I had data points that I could use or discard, but I had them. I’ll trade a quick moment of nausea for a wider, vaster base of intellectual ammo.  I had light shed in an area which prior was dark.

Information is king and should be shared lovingly and liberally.

Kap