Dykstra: Winning Formula

As in baseball, the right moves in investing often involve gut feelings and some element of luck. Nonetheless, what transpires prior to the game cannot be underestimated. A great deal of time is spent analyzing opponents' strengths and weaknesses, their tendencies, and how to take advantage of them. Similarly, I spend inordinate amounts of time researching stocks prior to making my picks. Just as I did in baseball, I pride myself in my preparation, which leads to having an edge.

I am just as disciplined in my investment strategy as if I was a leadoff hitter. On many occasions, I fouled off pitches, staying alive, until I could get my pitch. I worked the count to put myself in the best position to get a hit. This means get the count in a predictable situation. Witness my stats in 1993: I led the league in runs, hits, walks and at-bats. Remember, walks do not count as official at-bats, thereby making this a record for the ages. That's exactly what I do as an investor: prepare vigorously, work the market, create the opportunity, and pounce on it!

Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!