Mind Over Sports

Ten year old Campbell Faulkner, who has a rare genetic disease, is friends with Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber, who was the hero of game two of the series, is now being benched by his manager because of the designated hitter rule. In my opinion, this is a bad judgement call. Schwarber should be starting because his relationship with Campbell is the Cubs’ secret weapon. Schwarber’s relationship with Faulkner is what I often refer to as “excelling for a higher order” which enhances an athlete’s self-esteem and performance. Schwarber even wears Faulkner’s green “Campbell Crew” wristband. If I were managing the Cubs, I would make every member of the team a member of the Campbell Crew and each would wear a wristband. I would also let Faulkner sit in the dugout with the team.