Fields of Play

Playing sports is one of the most exciting and gratifying activities in life. It builds character and is a superior source of fun.

I am passionate about team sports, especially baseball and softball. For me, few things shine as brightly as baseball diamonds. I began playing at age 6 and never missed a season until a few years ago when my body let me know it was time to hang up my cleats.

Still, I catch myself reflecting upon fond softball memories and even replaying in my mind moments that I wish I could do over. Why didn’t I get the lead runner? Why did I give him a pitch right in his wheelhouse?

There are many parallels between sports and business. Essential to both are good communication; trust; supporting your teammates and co-workers with encouragement; thinking strategically; and finding joy in what you do.

A team is not well-served if it puts a player best suited for right field on the pitcher’s mound, and some workers are candidates for management roles whereas others are not. There are singles hitters and home run bashers. But it is important for all team or staff members to recognize the value and importance of everyone’s contributions.

Tallahassee, synonymous in the minds of many with Florida State football, is a great sports town that is home to numerous successful college and prep programs and a wealth of recreational leagues and facilities. Investments in sports venues such as the course at Apalachee Regional Park are proving to be home runs.

Such projects are the product of a vision that recognized the broad and enduring appeal of athletic competition and the capacity of our city to entice people to extend their stays after finish lines have been crossed, time has expired, games completed and congratulations exchanged.

At Apalachee Regional Park, Leon County is installing technology that will make it possible for people to livestream cross-country meets. The venue, located on top of a closed out solid-waste landfill, is slated to host a world championship.

Sports, as stories in this edition of Tallahassee Magazine make clear, are not reserved just for the young.

Emma Witmer writes about Mark Gargiulo who, as the swim coach at the Maclay School for 29 years, was deeply respected and loved. He remains active as a participant in master’s swim meets and other competitions. Go carefully before you challenge him to a game of horseshoes. He and his are pickleball champs, who get along well on the court, mostly.

Paige Aigret checks in with retired dentist Dr. Louis Beall for whom eating clean is a key to longevity and staying active. He eats a lot of salmon and blueberries. While he is in his 90s, tennis remains a passion of his. I have had the experience of playing against him from time to time. As to who won, I’ll let him tell you that.

Swing for the fences,

Brian Rowland
Publisher
browland@rowlandpublishing.com