Deny, Obviate, Obfuscate - The Way to Success in Baseball, Politics and Life?
By Rick Speciale - Feature Writer
08/15/2005
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Deny, obviate obfuscate. A former Bill Clinton staffer claims these were the former US president's words on how to deal with tough questions from the media. There is no doubt that Clinton was a success at stretching the truth with cunning PR.
But despite being one of the few US presidents to be impeached, many (myself included) would suggest Bill Clinton is a successful leader. Of course this depends on one's definition of success or in the words of Slick Willy “it depends on what your definition of is is…”
I thought of this when current US major league baseball player, Rafael Palmeiro, tested positive for a banned performance enhancing substance. As punishment for testing positive, Palmeiro had to complete a ten-day suspension. For those not following this story, Palmeiro had previously testified at a congressional hearing that he never took steroids. He was adamant in that claim. Maybe it's just a matter of how one defines what a “Steroid is.”
Based on performance, Palmeiro has been a success in baseball. He is only the fourth player in major league history to achieve 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. This makes him a viable candidate for induction into the US Baseball Hall of Fame.
But what about honesty and integrity? And how about damaging the reputation of the game? Misdeeds in this context earned former player, Peter Rose, a lifetime ban from the Hall of Fame. This is despite the fact he achieved more hits than anyone in the history of the league. Time will tell how this plays out for Palmeiro, but what does this mean in the bigger picture?
People need role models and icons but players—like U.S. presidents—are human. You can have eight years of economic prosperity. You can have every baseball player hitting home runs. You can even find a few model citizens mixed in between. But until we all can come to a clear understanding of “what success is…” beyond statistical performance, money and fame, something is missing in professional sports and even politics for that matter.
If people truly need role models for success, there are better places to look in schools, fire stations and, ideally, at home. Some amazing and difficult achievements often occur in these places, even if the achievers are human. Better yet, it won't cost you $100 for parking and food - and attendance is often free