The Power of a Voice to Create Lasting Memories
When I was a little boy I would go out into our backyard with my worn ball glove and a rubber baseball. I would begin throwing that baseball against the large two story brick wall. Sometimes I would do this ritual for hours.
During these moments I would escape the Blue Ridge mountains on those warm summer evenings and become a member of “The Big Red Machine”.
A Memorable Voice
Always in the background was Marty Brennaman calling out the great play I had just made as the Reds won another game on their way to another World Series Championship.
Marty Brennaman
That little boy would pretend to be the great Pete Rose one day and maybe Ken Griffey, Sr. next. Some days this young ball player may play the role of the entire all-star cast; Johnny Bench, Dave Concepción, Joe Morgan, George Foster, Tony Pérez and César Gerónimo with the Hall of Fame Manager Sparky Anderson directing the team.
The Great Eight
Each play would be made with Marty calling out the details so vividly that I felt like I was sitting in the stadium eating peanuts drinking a cold beverage while cheering the Big Red Machine onto another victory.
The Lasting Impact of a Voice
To this day I’m a loyal Reds fan because of his voice resonating over the Blue Ridge Mountains each summer evening in Southwest Virginia.
My brother, Joe, and I at my Great Grandfather’s house pumping water!
My great grandfather listened to him from his front porch nestled in the hills of southern West Virginia. Even into his 90’s he knew all the players for the Big Red Machine. He also knew their batting averages and ERAs.
My Great Grandfather Grat Butt
This voice resonating over the hills and valleys near the Bluestone River gave a little boy and an elderly great grandfather common ground upon which to converse on summer days.
I have long since moved away from the region where Marty’s voice echoes off the mountains but his voice still echoes in my memories.
How will your voice be remembered?
Each of us speaks into the lives of others every day. We speak into the lives of our spouses, children, parents, co-workers and friends.
We speak into the lives of the cashier at the grocery store. We speak into the lives of the waitress at our favorite restaurant.
What memories do those you speak into have of your voice?
Does the memory of your voice bring a smile?
Does the memory of your voice stir up anger?
Does the memory of your voice lift the person’s heart with encouragement?
Your Voice Matters
Just remember that your voice impacts others every day. Be intentional about how your use your voice.
3 Ways To Use Your Voice To Impact Others
I. Encourage: There are many people you will encounter today that are discouraged. Take a minute and offer a word of encouragement to 3 people today.
II. Challenge: Great leaders challenge their people to continually strive to go from good to great. Who could you challenge to take their performance to the next level today?
III. Engage: Take extra time today to be really present with those you interact with. Make sure to really listen to what they have to say. Use your voice to deepen the relationship you have with them.
It’s hard to believe that Marty Brennaman is just now retiring after 46 years of creating memories for so many little boys and great grandparents. His voice will be missed by thousands of Reds fans across the nation, but his voice will never be forgotten. Those memories of his voice and our own personal stories will forever be intertwined.
Congratulations on your amazing career! May your retirement serve you well!
AND THIS ONE BELONGS TO THE REDS………..
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