Because this world could use a little more positive!

OpaZao, a 20 or so minute podcast, is all about "excited living," addressing subjects throughout the year while always ending on a positive note. I am personally excited to be a part of this show, listening to others, and putting my broadcasting skills to work. By myself or with my dad, we will be sharing these moments of discovery about the different seasons of life with anyone who cares to drop in and subscribe to our podcast. We hope to use this show as a tool to bring just a little more positive into this world. We can be found on iTunes as well as our host site libsyn.comhttp://opazao.libsyn.com/opazao-podcast-intro.

Andrew Bearden has joined The Power of Next


I have found out that I enjoy listening to others. My dad and I have wondered about how I might use this strength in the future. One idea is to come alongside of my dad and his program in listening to others called "Next Listener," part of The Power of Next. So, I will take it one step at a time and become available to others who are interested in Growing Forward and taking Next Steps in their lives. I know I am still learning in this journey called life. But what a privilege it will be to grow alongside of another's journey as well. Check us out at www.thepowerofnext.org.  Hope to hear from you soon.
Andrew


Baseball is 90% Mental and the Other Half Physical - Yogi Berra

  
In my senior year of high school I have grown to love this game even more than before. Whether it's ShortStop as in this video or on the bump, I better understand the balance of physical talent and keeping my head in the game. My passion for baseball has never been stronger. 
While I look forward to playing at the next level, I realize that one of my strongest desires is to continue with the game of baseball the rest of my life in one form or another. Regardless of how old I get, I want to honor those who have gone before me and pass on the love of the game to others.
I hope that one of my future posts will include news on my personal next steps in the game along side of college.

"I may not be a smart man. But I know what speed is." -Forest Slump

Billy Hamilton is one of the fastest baseball players in this generation. He can hit a ground ball to the first baseman and with a slight hesitation of the fielder make it safely to the bag.
https://youtu.be/07oGjRYpEg0 ).
And the one day I found out how he has so much speed. I found out he grew wings. You want proof? Check this...
https://youtu.be/intidHFZcoY ).
Yet I feel the keys to his success, as well as his speed, lie in three key strengths: Respecting/looking up to fellow players, hard work every day, and laughter ( https://vimeo.com/100553678 ).
I may never run as fast as Billy but he continues to inspire others, including myself with his speed ethic in life.

Do you always agree with a coach's decision

It was the last 30 seconds of the 2015 Super Bowl between the Seahawks and the Patriots. The Seahawks were chasing 4 points and needed this touchdown. The coach made a call that changed the outcome of this game. The Seahawks had one of the best running backs in all of football. But the coach calls a passing play right up the middle. A patriots player just so happens to be right where that pass lands right in his hands. So what happens and how would you respond if that was your coach?
I have been in this situation a few times. You must listen to your coach and respect what he says even if you don't agree with it. That is the role of player and coach. I need to keep the big picture in perspective and remain coachable as I grow in the game of baseball.

Are You Kidding Me?

Nobody is worth that much money. Or are they? $9 a second may sound extraordianry, but it's now in baseball history. Carlos Stanton worked hard to get where he is at. Some believe he deserves to get paid that much for all that hard work. But over $30 million a year and $325 million for 10 years? 
I personally think that this is ridciulous. That much money for anyone is way too much. Is this what it really takes to keep a franchise going? Some teams' total starting line-up payroll can be less then this single player's annual salary. But I guess this is what happens when you reach celebrity status. Who knows? One day I may have to wrestle with this similar issue. 

The Next Day

Not going to let a little rain ge me down.  Fortunately, Coach Bryan (Adam Kennedy Baseball) gave me the rock the following morning for our 8:30am game.  6 1/3 innings - 2 hits - no runs.  Not much beats the rythm of throwing off the bump and in your groove while your serving up a mixture of moving two seamers and a jock dropping off speed.