Would you rather be lucky or good?

One more thing on luck before this month marches out.

I heard this many times, many moons ago. "I'd rather be lucky than good." It irked me. It came from a softball teammate of mine named Zeke Leo. I felt it a privilege to share a ball field with him. Zeke had skills, knowledge, crazy speed and a great attitude. Why was he spouting about being lucky? Luck had nothing to do with it.  

Luck had nothing to do with the regular 2 hour long hitting practices. Luck had nothing to do with taking ground balls in 90% Wisconsin humidity until you wanted to puke. Luck had nothing to do with the adjustments I had to make catching 80 mile an hour throws from our shortstop. Luck had nothing to do with the forethought and hard work that our manager had put into building this team. We were all competitive and hardworking athletes, what did luck have anything to do with any of it?

Why was Zeke shouting, "I'd rather be lucky than good", as he trotted out to left field? I never asked him, my respect for him on the ball field was too great.

After all this time has passed, too many moons to count, I think I get it. What Zeke was pointing out was the fact that when everyone is talented, it's the luck that sets us apart.

In softball terms, those that play have an understanding: There is no defense against base hits. In Zeke's case, being the outstanding outfielder he was, attempted to take this option away from the other team by playing short. (He was not back far enough in the field for the better hitters). By playing short he could get the force out on a base hit, maybe. I say maybe because there are too many factors that need to happen right in a row to get the out: a perfect hit, fielding it perfectly, throwing it perfectly on time and a perfect catch. Mostly, playing short would entice long ball hitters to hit it over his head. If he was lucky, really lucky, they would try. Then Zeke would get on his horse (super fast outfielder legs) and track down the fly ball hit over his head like it was a routine play. I admit, seeing him take two steps in on a number 4 batter (home run hitter) while the rest of the outfielder's took several steps back was completely unnerving. However, seeing the number four batter send a fly ball in his direction made me sign in relief. 

Oh wise and talented Zeke, what wisdom you exuberate when you make that statement. For it is a question for life it's self. When we understand that life indeed is luck, or really, the belief that the Universe will bring you luck,  we have done better for ourselves than just winning a ball game. If we allow it and trust it, the Universe will bring to us what we need. Yes, Mr. Leo, I get it now.

Would you rather be lucky or good?