Walker Buehler’s Day On – How to be a superstar at work

If you want to be a superstar employee, you will want to emulate the actions of Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler on the day of Game 5 of this year’s World Series.

The Dodgers held a three games to one lead over the New York Yankees in the best-of-seven series. Buehler had started and pitched excellently in Game 3 and was scheduled to start Game 7 if needed.

Superstar Principle #1 – Anticipate Future Opportunities

That morning, Buehler determined that despite throwing 76 pitches two days before in Game 3, his arm felt good enough to pitch that night in Game 5 if called upon.

In order to be ready for superstar opportunities, you must anticipate those opportunities. Buehler’s forward-looking mindset mentally prepared him for the task, just in case.

Superstar Principle #2 – Communicate Your Value And Availability To The Organization

Upon boarding the team bus, Buehler made his availability to pitch that night known to his manager and team executives.

They all chuckled at his offer, one executive even rolling his eyes. It would be ridiculous and risky to have Buehler pitch in this game. He had thrown 76 pitches just two nights ago and would be needed to start a crucial Game 7 if the series went that far. At that point, it would have been difficult to even imagine a scenario where Buehler would be called on to pitch. Buehler’s chances of pitching in Game 5 were almost nil.

Superstar Principle #3 – Stay Focused When Others Don’t Share Your Vision

When his bosses dismissed his offer, Buehler emphasized he was serious. He explained that he could, in fact, be needed if things get "wonky." His manager even used an expletive to reject the possibility when Buehler pressed the issue.

Sometimes, you’re the only one who anticipates the future circumstances. Don’t let the doubters and short-sighted people knock you off course.

Superstar Principle #4 – Be Visible in a Positive Way

This was also accomplished by Buehler’s volunteering to pitch when no one thought he would be needed. 

The Game Begins

Incredibly, when the Dodgers fell behind 5-0 early in the third inning, the probability that Buehler would be called on to pitch actually decreased. There was absolutely no chance that Buehler would pitch in a game that the Dodgers might lose by a large margin.

Then, two factors combined to change everything. Instead of conceding defeat, Dodger Manager Dave Roberts used numerous relief pitchers to keep the Yankees from scoring more runs. His strategy worked brilliantly when the Dodgers rallied to score five runs in the fifth inning to tie the game.

However, Roberts's moves came at a high cost. He sent his last reliable relief pitcher into the game with two outs in the sixth inning. With still three innings to go, he would not have an effective relief pitcher to finish the game. He was going to run out of trusted pitchers before the end of the game. Using Buehler’s term, the game had gotten wonky, incredibly wonky. 

Superstar Principle #5 – Be Proactive – Don’t Wait To Be Told What To Do When An Obvious Problem Needs To Be Solved

In the seventh inning, Buehler, who had been in the dugout, told Roberts he was going to the bullpen and would be available to pitch in the game. A television camera showed Buehler staring intently into the dugout, his face begging for the opportunity to begin warming up. 

Superstar Principle #6 – When Given The Opportunity To Shine – Seal The Deal

Somehow, after throwing a season-high 42 pitches over 2 and 1/3 innings, that last reliable relief pitcher finished out the eighth inning with the Dodgers clinging to a 7-6 lead. Who will pitch the critical ninth inning to save the game and win the World Series? Well, it’s the person who saw the opportunity when no one else did. The person who mentally prepared himself for the moment. The person who put himself in a position to seize that opportunity and achieve the team and personal victory.

Buehler needed just 16 pitches to retire the Yankees in order, striking out the last two batters. Only one pitcher gets to retire the final batter and close out the World Series victory each season. This year, it was Walker Buehler. If you want to be a superstar at your company, follow his lead.