Dykstra: The Heat Is On

Similarly, managers are subject to intense pressure as well, which can cause them to alter their usual strategies. Gene Mauch decided to pitch Jim Bunning and Chris Short every other day during the stretch drive for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1964. That resulted in the Phillies squandering a six-game lead with 10 games remaining to the St. Louis Cardinals, who went on to win the World Series. Amazing how a manager of Mauch's stature would change his strategy so significantly at that point in the season.

Of course, in all fairness to Mauch, we are all geniuses in retrospect, but the message for investors is to find a style that works for you and stick with it!

The "boys of summer," and athletes in general, are paid large sums of money to overcome the pressure, which can be stifling at times. The fans expect us to produce, and that creates even more pressure. Recall last week's column in which I noted that a 70% failure rate in baseball makes you a legitimate candidate for the Hall of Fame. This should demonstrate how truly difficult it is to produce under pressure.

Despite the monumental expectations and the crushing pressure, athletes would do well to remember The Godfather Part II, in which Hyman Roth declares to Michael Corleone, "Michael, this is the business we have chosen."

Life is a journey; enjoy the ride!