A major component of winning is the fear of losing. There is nothing worse than losing. Nothing.

The New York Yankees last World Championship was in 2000. It seems like ages ago for Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner and for some Yankees fans, because for them, the only successful season is one in which the Yankees win the final game of the World Series. It is a position that is frowned upon by most in the politically correct media as well as by most fans. Mr. Steinbrenner and the minority that agree with him are right and those who disagree are wrong.

There is Nothing Wrong in Wanting to Win

Americans have always pursued excellence and appreciated those who achieve it. The American ethic has always been, “Be all you can be.” The Yankees have won more than twice as many World Championships as their nearest competitors. There is nothing wrong in wanting to win and there is nothing right in the willingness to accept defeat. As Vince Lombardi said more than once, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.”

There is Only One Winner

Over the last few decades, cut throat sports competition has become less and less acceptable to many because Americans must be nice to each other. Yes, we must be nice to each other but that doesn’t mean we should be satisfied with less than the best and it certainly doesn’t apply to players on opposing teams in a baseball game. There is only one winner.

Competing Hard is Part of the Game

Playing or watching baseball may be fun, but for the players and some fans, the goal is to win. When a pitcher brushes back a batter, the pitcher is sending a message that the batter had better not lean in too close or get too comfortable. In most instances, the pitcher is not trying to hurt anyone, but if the batter is hit, it is part of the game. If the batter wants revenge and bunts down the first base line in order to force the pitcher to field the ball or cover first base so that the batter can run into him, it is part of the game. When a runner racing towards home bowls over the catcher, it is part of the game, just as the catcher, with all his equipment, must block the plate and get ready for a collision.

Nothing is More Addictive Than Winning

Winning is addictive. Oh, the media tell us that winning breeds winning, and it does, but winning is an addictive drug. Once one tastes victory, one wants more and more, often without regard to its costs. Winning produces a euphoria that cannot be explained---it can only be experienced. During competition there is total concentration on what must be accomplished. Everything is else is blocked out. Nothing distracts the involved player or the vicariously involved fan. Reality is repressed and only the game is in one‘s consciousness.

The Tension Release is Indescribable

The tension is almost unbearable but must be overcome. Time slows down and it seems as if the game or the Series or the season will never end. The thought of losing must not be allowed. Losing cannot occur, just as thinking of the rewards of winning must not be allowed. One must concentrate only on the task at hand.

When victory finally comes, the tension release is fantastic. The ecstasy of victory is worth whatever the price, no matter how high. It is the greatest drug in the world and for many, there is no addiction greater than the addiction to winning.

The Fear of Losing Drives Winners

A major component of winning is the fear of losing. There is nothing worse than losing. Nothing. Tennis great Jimmy Connors said, “I hate to lose more than I love to win.” Basketball player Bill Bradley said. “The taste of defeat has a richness of experience all its own.” It is a distasteful experience.” But one of the greatest winners of all time expressed it best. “The fear of losing is what makes competitors so great. Show me a gracious loser and I’ll show you a permanent loser.” O.J. Simpson is one of America’s greatest winners.

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