Be Like Mike - “The Human Rain Delay”
The message of DFTD calls to mind a beloved former Cleveland Indians Hall of Famer Mike Hargrove who fondly became known as “The Human Rain Delay” for the time stealing scene he would display at bat, or as the NY Times said, “between pitches” with his routine.
At Grandparent Merit Badges, we talk about the idea of Disconnecting from The Digital™ and reconnecting with those who matter most.
This is one of our favorite messages, as we fondly call it DFTD! You might see this tag anywhere on our Facebook page or social media, pictures we post, or our website pages.
DFTD means turning off your phone and being intentional about connecting with loved ones or doing more important things that are truly meaningful to you.
The message of DFTD calls to mind a beloved former Cleveland Indians Hall of Famer Mike Hargrove who fondly became known as “The Human Rain Delay” for the time stealing scene he would display at bat, or as the NY Times said, “between pitches” with his routine.
He owned this routine and made everyone around him wait, especially the pitcher. Time stood still for Mike Hargrove as he stepped out of the batter box in between every pitch and started his adjusting.
Cleveland Sports Columnist Bob Sudyk described it best: “Hargrove approaches the plate, calls time, grabs some dirt, tugs at his pants, sleeves and hitches up his waistband, adjusts his hair, taps down his helmet, squeezes his hand deeper into his batting glove, drains all moisture from his mouth and steps in after raking the dirt in the batter’s box with his cleats.” (Fits Like a Glove | Baseball Hall of Fame)
Hargrove said that the routine helped him to concentrate. Owning the in-between time could have other advantages too such as making the pitcher lose his concentration and throw a curveball.
In a Baseball Hall of Fame article Fits Like a Glove | Baseball Hall of Fame by Tim Wiles, he talks about others who have used the gloves and the in-between pitch time to slow things down at bat. Jeff Bagwell, former professional baseball player with the Houston Astros commented on his at-bat concentration in 1995: “I step out sometimes and go to work on my (batting) gloves, but it’s mainly a way to clear my head…”
These baseball anecdotes are an excellent reminder of “the pause” we all need in our daily lives. It is how we feel about DFTD, ways to step back, take a pause, reflect, clear your head, and focus on what’s important.
During the summer months DFTD can be fairly easy as we head outside to pools, or for exercising, visiting friends and neighbors or at hosting a BBQ.
DFTD may include things like those found in our activity books.
- Go to a local baseball game!
- Take a walk with a loved one
- Go to the beach
- Make a meal together
- Share a phone call with a loved one
- Write a letter to a pen pal or relative
- Take your dog and grandkids for a picnic
Lots of other wonderful ideas can be found in our beautiful activity books here!
Enjoy this wonderful summer weather, reach a little outside your comfort zone and think of great ways to DFTD, and take an extended pause like Mike, The Human Rain Delay!
