Have you read Joe's screenplay?

You've seen the commercial where Joe Torre shows how well he has adapted to life on the left-hand coast, i.e., California. I remember an important moment in my life where Torre's "screenplay" was an interview. And his words struck home. At the time, he was still on the right-hand coast, i.e., New York.

It was a local interview in California in late August of 1998. His Yankee team was rolling. They had just completed a successful road trip and were notching win after win, all leading to an exceptional season. A local TV reporter asked Joe what made this team so different: "What's your key to collective success?"

The Yankee manager responded: "Two words — preparation and effort."

He explained that the Yankees focused completely on preparing themselves for each game they played and that they went into each game with a single mindset, always expecting to leave with a win.

Continued...