In 1986, the New York Mets won the World Series in seven legendary games against the Boston Red Sox. Recently, ESPN chronicled the team’s journey to success in a 4-part installment 30 For 30 series entitled “Once Upon A Time In Queens.”
Before getting to the macro-level leadership lessons, allow me to give three general observations:
- Lenny Dykstra comes across as, how can I put this, eccentric. Be forewarned – the language in this documentary is horrible… especially from Dykstra.
- Keith Hernandez loves his cat.
- Keith Hernandez was a great leader.
- Gary Carter was a great man.
- Jesus Christ changed Darryl Strawberry’s life.
Now, the following are 5 Leadership Lessons I gleaned from the 1986 New York Mets and “Once Upon A Time In Queens”:
Character Is Vital For Long-Term Success
The team reflected the city of New York itself and the debauchery of the mid-80’s. It was a time when high profile athletes could experience all the gold, glory, girls, violence, and drugs the world had to offer. And most of the Mets did. Their reckless lifestyle did not prevent short-term success. But for all who participated in the excesses of life, their long-term success was dramatically impacted.
As I wrote in my book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders, you do not need character to get to the top of your profession. But you need character to stay there.
If You Think You Can Or You Think You Can’t, You’re Right
The documentary featured countless come-from-behind victories by the Mets. The team simply did not think they could lose, and they were right.
Winning Provides A Shared Emotional Experience
In the mid-80’s, New York City was in a state of crisis. There was racial strife, high crime, and growing economic disparities. But the entire city rallied around this team of larger-than-life personalities who partied hard, cussed like sailors, and would fight you in an instant. The team brought the entire city together. Not matter your lot in life, everyone in New York was a Mets fan. People feed off shared emotions as you can see in the following picture from the team’s legendary Game 6 victory in the World Series.
Many Executives Do Not Know What Causes Its Organizations To Win (And Therefore Cause It To Lose)
Shortly after winning the World Series, general manager Frank Cashen elected not to resign third baseman Ray Knight and outfielder Kevin Mitchell. Unknowingly, he dismantled the team’s toughness and chemistry. The chemistry the following year was not the same and neither was the team’s performance. You need toughness to succeed in New York. Cashen did not know why the Mets were winning and therefore caused it to lose.
There Is A Difference Between Sensing Opportunity And Seizing It
Here is what all had to happen for the Mets to score three runs in bottom of the 10th inning after two outs with no one on base to win the Game 6 of the World Series:
- Boston Red Sox manager John McNamara took out Cy Young pitcher Roger Clemmons in the 8th inning leading 3-2.
- Throughout the season, McNamara would take Bill Buckner out late in games for defensive purposes and put in Dave Singleton. He left Bucker in.
- Compassion exceeded good judgment. McNamara left Buckner in because he wanted to allow him to be on the field when the Red Sox won the World Series.
- Gary Carter got a base hit with two outs and one strike off Calvin Schiraldi.
- Kevin Mitchell got a pinch-hit single with two outs off Schiraldi.
- McNamara did not pull Schiraldi after two successive hits.
- Ray Knight got a base hit with two strikes driving in Carter. Mets are down by one run.
- McNamara pulls Schiraldi and brings in Bob Stanley to pitch.
- Mookie Wilson fouls off countless pitches.
- Stanley throws a wild pitch allowing Mitchell to score. Game tied.
- Wilson fouls off two more pitches.
- Mookie Wilson hits a slow roller to Buckner, an error is made, and as shown below, the rest is baseball history.
The Red Sox sensed opportunity and did not seize it. This then created opportunity for the Red Sox who did.
What is one thing you can learn from the 1986 New York Mets which will make you a better leader?
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