Flowers are blooming. Birds are singing. Grass is greening. It's baseball season!

Fans are filling ballparks across the country once again as the great game takes center stage. Personally, this will be the thirty-seventh year I've rooted for the Texas Rangers since their move to DFW in 1972. I'm still waiting for that first playoff series victory. It's also my tenth season cheering for the Astros following our relocation to Houston. Unfortunately, merging my two favorite teams into one wouldn't be enough to overcome the talent on the Red Sox or Mets.

Like most kids who grew up when baseball was the most popular sport, I dreamed of being a major leaguer. However, I couldn't hit the curveball...nor the fastball...nor a soft, underhand lob from my cousin, whose name was Lisa. I was also a left-handed third baseman, and there isn't a lot of demand for those. So that glorious dream ended at age 13.

The Fundamentals

Then there's my client Jim, a longtime printing center owner in Kansas City. "Fergy" was a pretty good college pitcher circa 1981—even struck out a few guys whose names you'd know. Later, he coached his two boys from Little League through select baseball, traveling the country and succeeding at national tournaments. The kids are in college now at their parents' alma mater and, after sitting idle for a couple of years, Jim felt the urge to get back in the game. So, this spring he's coaching 11- and 12-year-olds for the acclaimed Mac-N-Seitz Baseball Club.

"These are talented kids, but no one's taught them the game at this point," Jim told me recently. "For instance, all nine players move on every play. Fans don't see it, but everyone has somewhere to go wherever the ball is hit. We're learning."

He said their first few months of practices focused on the basics, and over one week-long stretch during spring break the kids never once had a bat in their hands. Instead, they drilled continuously on positioning for throws from the outfield in different situations.

As Jim shared his passion for grooming these kids into outstanding ballplayers, I realized the four things he considers most important to a team's success are also essential to printers. So, grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and consider how these tips will make yours a team of All-Stars.

Single: Knowing

Watching a bunch of kids play baseball is a wonderful sight. However, there's a big difference between first time players and those who participate on competitive travel teams. If your desire is to play at an elite level in your printing business, then it's essential everyone understands their role in helping your team win.

It's not enough to fill out the lineup card and send them out on the field. You have to provide all players continuing instruction on how to be more effective in their positions and guidance on the strategy behind your game plan.