Goalie and Catcher 1 Last line of Defense

Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of the late, great Tony Esposito.

Thanks to Tony O, when I play hockey, I’m the goalie.
When I play baseball, I’m the catcher (that’s thanks to Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk).

For a little perspective, I’m referring to floor hockey in high school gym class and little league baseball when I was even younger. I love sports but I was never that good at playing them. Just ask my Freshman B-team baseball coach.

So why goalie and why catcher? In baseball, the catcher’s equipment set is referred to as the “tools of ignorance.” And a hockey goalie? Check out the picture.

Is it some kind of self-loathing (which I don’t) or self-deprecation (which I do, too often)?

I see these positions in line with my personality, having a view of the whole field of play, not seeking attention or glory (you can’t see the goalie’s or catcher’s faces while they’re doing their work), while serving as the last line of defense, a bulwark for your team. Someone they can depend on.

How about you? Whether we’re talking about sports, client presentations, stage productions, operating theaters, or debate teams, what role do you believe best suits you?