Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 17 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Small ball is crucial to success
Published Sunday, February 3, 2008
Years ago, I overheard long-time Vidalia High Baseball Coach Johnny Lee Hoffpauir say something to his team that I’ll never forget.
I’ve forgotten the specifics of the game, but I believe it was late season, perhaps a playoff. Much was on the line and Vikings had fallen behind early in the first few innings.
Hoffpauir gathered his team around just outside of their dugout and he told them all to relax. The key to getting back in the game, the coach said, was in their ability to play “small ball.”
It’s a phrase that’s often batted around in baseball circles. The definition is a bit like the strike zone; it moves depending upon who’s looking.
But generally, small ball means just bread and butter baseball — bunts, base hits, etc.
No one swings for the fences in small ball. It’s teamwork; it’s slow and steady progress toward a common goal.
As the Miss-Lou prepares for two sets of municipal elections — next week in Louisiana and in a couple of months in Mississippi — people seeking election would be wise to heed Hoffpauir’s advice.
The key to a growing, prosperous community doesn’t depend on having a slugger who can occasionally hit one out of the park. A team working together, playing small ball, will out match the divisive, star-powered one any day.
In Vidalia, the mayor’s race seems a good example of this. While long-time Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland is facing his first serious challenge in years, why on earth would the citizens change course in the sixth inning?
Copeland’s version of small ball has done some amazing things. Look at the Vidalia Riverfront Development and the new Wal-Mart store as only two of the base hits and bunts that seem to have been beautifully executed in his administration. Obviously, Copeland has been to a few Vidalia High games and witnessed Hoffpauir’s magic.
On the Mississippi side of the river, the mayor’s race in particular is likely to be hotly contested. Though all of the likely candidates haven’t popped up yet, a number of challengers seem intent on ousting Mayor Phillip West from the top Natchez coaching position, and, perhaps, for good measure.
West was elected after talking a big game, but he’s struggled with the basics of running the city, the small ball, if you will.
In four years, West has been plagued with personnel problems within the city’s leadership team.
We’re now looking for our third city planner in three years.
A dispute over the rehiring of an ousted police officer led to the city’s considering abolishing the long-standing — and presumably well-functioning — civil service commission.
The city is still facing a lawsuit over its handling of the former pecan factory land transaction.
Long-time city attorney Walter Brown hung up his municipal leadership cap after two-dozen years of service.
Yet, despite all of these “small ball” issues that need attention and constant focus, West seems intent on hitting the proverbial grand slam.
Hopefully, he’ll hit one with the Lane Company’s development at Roth Hill Road or with plans for a massive, yet-to-be-funded recreation complex or with a YMCA plan.
But while he’s swinging for the fences, the city is missing lots of opportunities to put points on the board with quality of life issues.
Better crime enforcement and fire protection keep residents safe.
Upgrading infrastructure — from repaving streets and repairing sidewalks to reworking drainage systems and improving parks and recreation facilities we already have — is massively needed.
Streamlining government and reducing government debt would be fairly top priorities, too.
Small ball, played consistently over time, can reap big results.
Just ask Coach Hoffpauir.
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on February 3, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting article.
If West is the "coach" and not a small ball player, who would we elect as "coach" to play small ball?
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on February 3, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Very good article. That's what's wrong with Natchez. No one wants to be just a bunter or base hitter or even be a team player. They all want to be in controll of the reins. "Me thinks" that until our preservation committee accepts the idea of blending the past with the future, we will be at a standstill. The past has been great for Natchez, it has brought in money in times of need, but we must look beyond that and to the future of Natchez. Ideals are changing in what a lot of people consider entertainment and why they would travel across county to visit. We must adapt with the change while holding on to what we have.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on February 3, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper thank you for your great comments about Vidalia and Mayor Copeland. We are lucky to have him and pray to keep him in office. Everyone go vote Sat. and make sure we keep Vidalia on a progressive road.
Posted by lagal (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper it is obvious that you do not know much about baseball. Sometimes it is necessary to change pitchers in the 6th inning and sometimes it is necessary to fire the coach. What Mayor Copeland is doing in Vidalia is not even close to small ball - he is spending every penny that comes in to operate the town, including the revenues from the hydroelectric project - which revenues were promised to the people in the form of rebates and lower power rates. Although progress is great - it has to be done with some fiscal responsibility. In your analogy, Mayor Copeland is the one who wants to be the homerun hitter and not the small ball player - we need new leadership that is in touch with the people of vidalia - you will see on election day how many people agree
Posted by vtowner (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thank you lagal! vidalia has been making progress but in no way is the current mayor a small ball player...spending money set up for rebates and lower electric bills in the general fund (to the tune of $3.2 mil over the last 3 years) does not look like small ball to me...it looks like fiscal irresponsibility. the hydro-electric plant was not set up to run the general fund - but instead to give back the citizens of a great little town. although some projects mr mayor helped with are helpful and appreciated - he is def doing it all to be the mvp - not for the love of the game.
I hope citizens realize this - and I wish the democrat would do a little more investigating before printing. I appreciate other articles Mr. Cooper has written constantly pointing out the facts (ie- the binky situation) - but here it seems that Mr. Cooper has been bomboozled. I urge Mr. Cooper to investigate the fiscal reports that have NOT been published to the town's citizens (even after requests to do so)...and then to decide.
Vidalia is a great city on the move - let's keep it that way...Vote for integrity and fiscal responsibility this Saturday - and don't be happy with maintaining the status quo.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again people are making irresponsible comments about Mayor Copeland. Mr. Murray lied about serving Vidalia for two terms. He only served one full term, he then quit his fifth year because he could not handle the position. He lied at the forum last Thursday night and he will lie again. The only thing this man is running on is that he is a "Murray". People around town are questioning his intergrity. Vidalia has been in the black since Mayor Copeland became mayor. Once again nothing but lies from the Murray camp.
Posted by vtowner (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow - such animosity again from vilou - every post with the slightest challenge to Mr. Mayor is always responded to with bitterness...wonder why that is?
pressure?
I think if you personally know Bill Murray (as I do) you will know that he is certainly a man of integrity in all realms of his life.
"once again nothing but lies from the Murray camp" - interesting -
Looks like whatever camp you are in is feeling some pressure - I don't think the "Murray camp" (if there is such a thing) has been discussing any lies - but instead only facts that will suspiciously not be responded to ($$ from hydro fund allocation specifically) by the Mayor who has done everything - except show Vidalia the money.
I would encourage you to call Bill Murray up (his number is listed) to speak to him personally about your concerns regarding his campaign and any information that you and "your camp" feel are incorrect or misconstrued...Mr. Murray commented on this site recently that he would appreciate the opportunity to speak to citizens with concerns regarding the state that Vidalia is in....
and as far as being "in the black"...what money put Vidalia there??? and what was it supposed to be used for??? I hope you have a great day - and please report back on what Bill's response to your call is.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Mr. Murray, he has no integrity. I find it odd you did not comment on Mr. Murray quitting in the middle of his second term as alderman. Why don't you call Mayor Copeland for the truth. Lie all you want on the Hydro issue the truth will set you free. Yes, there is a little murray camp, most are telling lies.
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on February 4, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Copeland has a great audit every year. The records are there for everyone to see. He is the only mayor to give two rebates. Mayor Copeland does not take credit for all the good thing happening in Vidalia, he always says it took a lot of good people who have worked hard and care about Vidalia as he does. The Copeland camp has no pressure just confidence.
Posted by dangyankee (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper's editorial seems to have had an impact, at least in this forum: While not perfect, most commentators have seemed to be concentrating on "small ball," getting the fundamentals--grammar, spelling, etc.--down before they comment, which is, um, rare AND refreshing.
That said, I agree with Destiny: The past has been good to Natchez, but the present is already here, and the future is looming. If tourism is a main focus here (I hear lip-service to that effect, usually from the same lips that had been cursing tourists 2 minutes before and would be cursing them again, 2 minutes later. People here can be hateful), then try to figure out what will draw tourists.
I'll be honest: There are things I like about Natchez, things I dislike, but if I were sitting a thousand miles away, trying to figure out where I wanted to take my family on vacation, Natchez wouldn't even make the "long" list, much less the short one. This is an honest question: What is here to attract "family" tourists?
But Natchez doesn't really want "family" tourists, anyway. Like any other tourist-trap wannabe, it wants people with disposable income that they can dispose of, here. There's nothing wrong with that--every tourist-trap wannabe wants the same thing.
Whoever is in charge of Natchez tourism needs simply to be honest: They must accept the fact that Nathez is not interested in "families," it is interested in money, and just go from there. They must truly understand that Natches does not even LIKE tourists (who might be people, after all)--it wants MONEY. Again, nothing wrong with that--we all need money.
Probably Natchez should find a way to convert itself into a huge gambling mecca/amusement park--strip away the historical, or hysterical, facade, and just say "we'll do whatever you want, just line our pockets!"
And I got WAY off topic there. Topic is "small ball"--another way of saying, concentrate on the "little" things, and the "big" things will happen. Attention to detail. I'm surprised only that it took a baseball coach to make Mr. Cooper see that.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the politicians around here are more bowlers than ball players. They just sling it down the lane and knock down whatever they can. Then they step back and take credit for the pins that fell and blame someone else for the ones still standing.
Posted by puccini5 (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow sounds like VILOU must be one of the mayor’s employees that ride around and pull in the nice salary. I for one am sick and tired of the rising utilities in Vidalia; I’m ready for a change. As far as the article it is all about teamwork not self-glory... well I see very little teamwork here. You focus on small steps in order to accomplish a great task not what one-person gains. Check the stats our people are suffering due to people not doing their homework on projects before they jump in headfirst and we're left to pay for the mess when it can't support itself. Yeah the riverfront looks great while people run around with sweaters on because they can't afford their utility bills... yeah we're really a city on the move. We move so we don't freeze our butts off.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does this mean our local officials are on steroids?
Posted by vilou (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All I have to say is (puccini5) you don't know what you are talking about. I read all your post and you complain about everything going on in Vidalia. How much have you done or attempted to do for Vidalia. Let's talk utilities, Vidalia has one of the overall lower rates. If you will look at your bill, you will see you pay water , sewage, gas, electricity and garbage collection all in one. It was stated at the forum(which I'm sure you attended?) the average overall bill for the citizen of Vidalia was $191.00. The utilities was lowered by 15 percent over the last year, but of course you know that??? I would like to know what mess you are talking about having to pay for. Mayor Copeland has never taken credit for all the great things that are happening in Vidalia. He says it takes a lot of good hard working people and dedication to get the job done. Where were you when all the hard work was being done. Have you even once voiced your concerns to Mayor Copeland? If Mayor Copeland gets any glory, it's because he has worked hard to make Vidalia a great place to live. Read the letter to the editor in today's Democrat and see how others think Mayor Copeland is doing. I'm not an employee, never have been.
Posted by Hillary4Prez08 (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnny Lee Hoffpauir for MAYOR!!!!!
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For Sheriff maybe but I don't think he would make a good mayor Hillary.
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on February 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
they should be like adams county elected offical james lee the coroner, he draws a full time check and has a office but he is a policeman in fayette. how did he go to the academy and be on the payroll in adams county double dipping looks like louisiana politics
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)