One of the best ways to understand what makes a champion is to hear stories about champions. A champion has character that allows him to excel above and beyond the others. A champion like Chase Utley is a beacon who shows us the potential of the human spirit.
The LA Times ran an article in the sports section Oct. 31, 2009 --
Chase Utley “was a skinny little kid...He didn’t have a lot of natural ability….even his father Dave was fooled.”
“Now, the Phillies Manager Charlies Manuel, who has spent nearly five decades in the game, calls Utley ‘one of the best players that I’ve ever met.’ ”
“In game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday he hit two home runs off the Yankees’ CC Sabathia, becoming the first left-hander to hit two homers off a left handed pitcher in a Series game since Babe Ruth in 1928.”
“The second baseman who wasn’t allowed to play the infield as a college freshman led all major league second basemen in putouts this year.”
Chase Utley had the drive to reach his dream no matter what obstacles he faced. No matter what anyone else saw when they looked at his efforts, he knew he could do it. This champion was born of self belief, molding himself one small step at a time, with daily effort, month after month, year after year. Chase Utley had the courage, the conviction in himself and in his dream, and discipline to go the long hard road to make it happen. It was his self belief and his own drive that carried him through to success. Chase Utley knew he had the power to accomplish whatever he set out to do. That's a champion!
Dana Nellen is a performance coach, assisting serious athletes, high school thru professional to reach peak performance without drugs or supplements, in Southern California. For more information or to set up a no obligation complimentary consultation, email
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Dana Nellen, Coaching for Champions: The Dana Nellen Method for Sports Performance. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
