Corbin Shares Batting Order for Championship Character

December 2, 2014

The starting lineup Vanderbilt University baseball coach Tim Corbin compiled to lead the Commodores to the national championship last season had fewer than nine slots.

It did not include his pitchers, catchers and fielders. It included the character traits he has aimed to foster in his program.

"Teachable spirit. Mental toughness. Integrity. Discipline," Corbin said Monday night, before relaying the importance of those traits to students during the Coaches 4 Character program at Redemption World Outreach Center.

Corbin shared stories from his star players at Vanderbilt to illustrate each trait. He even imparted a tale from the recruiting trail during his nine-year tenure as an assistant coach at Clemson University.

Corbin recalled traveling to scout a prospective player. Corbin was impressed with his swing and speed. However, he was disheartened by the rude and disrespectful demeanor the player displayed off the diamond.

Corbin said he never scouted that player again.

"The character traits that it takes to be a good person supersede the character traits of an athlete," Corbin said. "Personal awareness skills are critical. We can talk about leadership, but I don't think you can get to the leadership definition until kids identify who they are and what effect they have on others."

Corbin's message resonated with Cassidy Dickson, a student at Woodmont Middle School who aspires to play college softball.

"You never know when someone is watching," said Dickson, who was recognized with The Greenville News Character Award, along with fellow Woodmont Middle student Hunter White.

"You realize that you're not going to live forever," Dickson said, "so you want to make the best out of your life and know that you can help people and try to make everybody happy."

White, who aspires to be a professional athlete and architect, was moved most by Corbin's message to earn confidence through hard work and to ensure that your words align with your actions.

"If you just do the right thing, you'll get somewhere," White said. "Every time you're here, make it count and leave a good impression for yourself when you're gone."


By: Mandrallius Robinson -- Greenville Online

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