The Front Seat of the Bus

A couple of days ago one of my former White Sox players now
beginning his career as a manager in the Orioles Minor League system posted a
picture of himself sitting on the front seat of the bus, a traditional place
for the head coach or manager to sit. It was great to see him sitting in that position
because I know he has worked to earn it. I quickly sent a message off to him to
wish him good luck and to not forget what is was to sit back where the players
were sitting.  Sitting in the front
seat of the bus is a privilege that you earn. I have sat on a lot of buses in
my time both as an athlete and as a coach with many types of people sitting in
that front seat. Some were characters, some had character, some did not, some
were heroes and some were zeros. Some had paid their dues and earned the seat
and other had been anointed and then appointed. I have been privileged to sit
in that seat as a head coach. I must admit as a 23 year old I am not sure I was
ready the first time I sat there, but I embraced the opportunity and took the
responsibility. Each time I was privileged to sit in that seat as I gained
experiences I realized more and more the awesome responsibility that the seat
entailed. When you sit in that seat be a leader, lead by example and actions
not words. The seat by its very position as the first seat on the bus means you
lead from the front. Honor the seat by respecting your staff and the players
and giving it your best every day.