The 2103 Red Sox and Special Education: more in common than one would think

The 2013 Red Sox: A Page from the Special Education Playbook

I have been a Red Sox fan since I arrived in Boston in 1966, this April I was not a believer. How could I support a team that had quit on themselves, teammates, and their community? As a speech and language pathologist working in the field of special education, there is no quitting. The 2013 Red Sox would need to earn my trust not through baseball stats but through a show of character. It would take time.

The message is clear to students, administrators, and families: try hard, believe in oneself, in one another, accept responsibility, and build community. Step up to the proverbial plate, lead by example, and be respected for “thinking different.” Be flexible, develop team confidence and spirit…beards or no beards. It would not be easy for the Sox to regain my heart.

The first step: the front office would need to assemble a combination of players based on character, commitment, determination, talent, and a desire to play in the difficult Boston sports market…not egos, potential stardom, or big money. Build team culture and chemistry through trust, respect for individual strengths and challenges, and resilience. These are my daily hopes, dreams, and expectations for my students, colleagues, and from myself- why would I expect any less from the Sox?

Spring training began in April with a few returning players who may have been influenced by a previous lack of cohesion, and a collection of seemingly random players. They talked the talk about a post-season, but would they walk the walk? Their dedication became clearer. Players worked hard, thought more about teammates than themselves, and attempted to heal a grieving community.  There were clutch hits and great plays, and a sense that at any moment, one could go from loser to hero. Players believed they could lead or be comfortable in supporting roles.

The Sox seemed to be on the right track. Leaders, mutual respect, character, creativity, caring, and passion were evolving. They were getting and giving chances through hard work, determination, and perseverance. Players showed up for practice, gave every effort at the plate or in the field; games were long and intense. They were beginning to gain my respect.

A cohesive team was shaping up. Players understood and embraced the model of thinking about others, not themselves, trying their best despite injury, fatigue or personal adversity and demonstrating commitment to a greater community. So little was expected of them in March; I was unaware how much they clearly expected of themselves. The dark days of April followed, but together they were on The Road to Redemption.

The 2013 season was culminated by clinching a game-six World Series victory at home, and was followed by two million cheering people at a parade. The Red Sox team was the compelling story of teammates who played with heart, looked forward, and did not give up…from worst to first.

A school year is 180 days, a season, 162 games, pretty close. Confidence throughout the journey is built on trust, mutual respect, and commitment. We thrive through the support and collaboration of administration, educators…and a bit of humor.

Each day, each game, presents its own set of challenges. We experience the joy of hitting a grand slam or the dread of making the final out with people on base. We try our best, knowing that some trips to the plate will be harder than others. We expect the unexpected from ourselves and from one another.

We play through slumps and soar during streaks. Success is measured by internal satisfaction and high-fives. It is celebrated not with confetti and cheering crowds, but with the achievement of our goals and pizza parties… And like the Red Sox, the challenges are great, but the ultimate rewards greater!

This year’s remarkable Red Sox season was particularly sweet! For me, it holds a far deeper meaning than winning a World Series. It embodies an inspiring model of the fulfillment of unexpected success, hopes, dreams, and forgiveness. It sounds like the 2013 Red Sox Team took a page right from the special education playbook- Go Team! Go Sox!