Many small market teams such as the San Diego Padres may never be successful despite their efforts to bring in many great young players for development. This is not surprising mainly because their developmental programs do not develop the athletes. If they do become successful, it is mainly due to luck.
This is not surprising mainly because of a strong belief in a myth that has guided baseball team for many years. The myth is related to genetics and the fact that most coaches believe that a player’s abilities are predetermined at birth. As they see it, their task is to provide an environment in which the players can exhibit their innate abilities.
For example, according to Ron Fowler, owner of the San Diego Padres, “you have to get the right people, give them the opportunity to do what it is they can do, and be patient as they go through the process.” What they appear to fail to realize is that players who get better, get better because of the practice and instruction that they may receive from the teams coaches or outside trainers.
Genetics may account for about 30% of the player’s abilities. The environment or what they do to become players accounts for approximately 70% of their final abilities. When baseball coaches realize that it is possible to improve a player’s performance and bring in people who understand skill execution and development of strength specific to the skill execution, they will see a world of improvement in getting winning teams.
There will be no hoping, guessing or wishing at this time. It will happen. It is based on science and has been proven in practice many times over.
For more information, see Build a Better Athlete.