A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

When the opportunity arises, the time for preparation is past.*

I grew up listening to Cardinals baseball. Reception was poor in the house, so we sat on the hood of dad’s Impala in the evenings, listening to Jack Buck on the car radio. My favorite player was Lou Brock. I used to fantasize that we would meet and become friends.

The summer he broke the Maury Wills stolen base record, 1974, was incredible, 118 bases. Following that season, Lou Brock designed a baseball sneaker that was produced by Converse. I bought a pair, each with 118 embroidered on the side. I was 18 but still fantasized about meeting my hero.

We went to Busch Stadium early. A long, purple limousine pulled up, a door opened, a gym bag flew out, and out stepped Lou Brock. I stared as he picked up the bag and strode past. I followed, yearning to speak but clueless. He stopped to open a door, and walked right up to him, within two feet, and he looked surprised. Our eyes met. I lifted my right foot for him to see. “I’ve got your shoes on,” I said. He gave me a thumbs up – Lou Brock gave me a thumbs up – and said simply, “All right, kid.”