The Core Four...Loyalty Is All They Know

As I was scanning through the Daily News this morning, I came across this interesting piece entitled, Fab Four: How This Legendary Group Almost Never Got Together and I was compelled to write about this spectacular group of men and how we can all learn a little something about love and loyalty.

It's hard to believe that nearly 16 years ago, a young shortstop from Michigan, Derek Jeter, a pitcher from Texas, Andy Pettitte, a catcher from Puerto Rico, Jorge Posada, and a reliever from Panama, Mariano Rivera,  made their big league debuts. Skinny, wide-eyed, and hungry, figuratively and literally, these men scraped and scrapped for their success....success that has contributed to 5 World Series titles and nearly hundreds of millions in salaries. With all that could come with such monumental success, I think what should be reveled is the fact that they're still together. Although Andy left for 3 years, he's still much apart of that statement than anything else.

Free agency, greed, and big bucks go hand in hand and with anything in life, stability isn't always guaranteed. To have longevity in an organization such as the New York Yankees, I wonder what has been keeping them together besides great negotiations and lucrative contracts? Call it mushiness or call it realness, I believe love and loyalty, on all fronts, is what's been the glue to holding these guys together. In order to survive double digits on a team with the same people, you have to develop a mutual love and understanding for who that person is on the field and off the field. Likewise, you have to keep the phrase "throwing me/him under the bus" away from your organization and life at all times.

So, how does witnessing love and loyalty from a group of baseball players help bridge connectivity in our lives? The same practice of mutual understanding in a clubhouse is no different than in any house. You and I can exhibit the same quality in any situation no matter how big or small the issue. Secondly, as a big stickler for loyalty, I am a proponent of accountability and taking responsibility for your actions. Therefore, throwing someone under the bus shouldn't be your first or last resort, it shouldn't find it's way into your life. Learning to be loyal and trustworthy goes a long way. Trust me, there's nothing more desirable than a person who's loyal.  Loyalty is all I know.

As Wednesday approaches and the ALDS begins, I want to congratulate the Yankees, including the Core Four, on another successful season. This piece is for you. Also, congratulations to all the teams in who've made it to the postseason. This is sure to be something exciting.

XOXO,
Whitney