Winning
Is Not Everything
by Gene Miller
Having abolished the positions of the American and National League Presidents, Robinson's responsibilities are to handle any activity that occurs on the field. Handing down two of the harshest penalties in the history of major league baseball, Robinson admits that his job is not always fun, but he remains adamant that a player's conduct on the field should demonstrate respect for his team and for his own person. "A player must show up on time, conduct himself with respect for his uniform, team and town, and give 100% of his 100%," he told TeenSpeak.
This is not always easy when the pressures on ball players to perform are tremendous. A game where there is winning or there is nothing, athletes are faced with pressures from the club owners as well as the ceaseless media attention that tracks their every move. Today's ball player, according to Robinson, has to constantly prove his ability, "It's win now, what have you done for me today, not what you did yesterday, and second is not good enough."
Additionally, owners have high expectations for players who are paid a handsome sum for their talent. The pressure of meeting these salary expectations, coupled with the threat of injury that could end a ball player's career before its prime, puts players in a highly stressful situation. Players do not want to be placed on the disabled list, since their contracts include bonuses for better performance on the field. All of these elements contribute to the possibility of an eruption on the field. Bench clearing fights break out, resulting in numerous suspensions and fines.
Pictured left, Baseball Hall of Famer and Commissioner for On Field Operations, Frank Robinson with TeenSpeak reporter Gene Miller.
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