Learning By Example

LEARNING BY EXAMPLE provides an excellent path to success, especially if the leader performs well. National League pitcher Fernando Valenzuela used Dave Stewart’s example as a blueprint on the mound though the two played miles apart in 1990.

First, the Oakland A’s flew over the border to face the Toronto Blue Jays. Stewart walked his first two batters but quickly settled into a groove, relying primarily on his crisp fastball. The right-hander retired 26 consecutive hitters before walking Junior Felix with two outs in the ninth. Tony Fernandez then flied to center, ending the game and giving Stewart his first no-hitter with a 5–0 victory.

More than 3,000 miles away, Valenzuela learned of Stewart’s achievement 30 minutes prior to his start against the St. Louis Cardinals. The left-hander promised his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates they might witness a pitching gem as well. Valenzuela breezed through the game, throwing only 124 pitches. He struck out seven and allowed only four Cardinals on base with three walks and one error.

With one out in the ninth, Valenzuela walked Willie McGee. Former Dodger Pedro Guerrero then smashed a grounder that seemed destined for the outfield. But Valenzuela nicked the ball with his glove, ricocheting it to Juan Samuel, who stepped on second and threw to first for the double play. With the 6–0 win, Fernando collected his first no-hitter, and baseball recorded its first double no-hit day.

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POINT Fernando Valenzuela saw Dave Stewart’s success and decided to follow his example. Their styles differed, but the outcomes didn’t. Both notched one of baseball’s greatest feats—a no-hitter.

Following a blueprint or watching an example makes any task easier. In the Bible, Paul wrote a letter urging Titus to set a positive example. Not only does God want us to follow positive patterns, he also wants us to live as a good example. We never know who’s watching us or who might decide to follow us.

GOAL! Who do you look to as an example? Write down one person and the quality of theirs you want to emulate.