I Pitch

Some negotiations are complicated dances. Others can be stripped down.

If I am in the dance setting, I try to put my Getting To Yes skills to work. I know I am supposed to identify the underlying issues for both sides and keep an open mind about the resolution.

But sometimes, dammit, there is something clear that I want, and lord help the person who stands in my way. In those moments, I channel Janet from Judith Viorst’s short story, The Southpaw. You may know this story, as I do, from Free to Be… You and Me. Free to Be was a hippie-era children’s anthology of songs and stories with progressive morals about equality.

The story of The Southpaw unfolds through an exchange of notes between Richard and Janet. Richard, the captain of the Mapes Street baseball team, refuses to have a girl on the team. They exchange insults and threats, but they keep the notes going back and forth.

This is the part where Janet gains the upper hand.

Dear Janet,
Alfie is having his tonsils out tomorrow. We might be able to let you catch next week.
Richard

Dear Richard,
I pitch.
Janet

Dear Janet,
Joel is moving to Kansas and Danny sprained his wrist. How about a permanent place in the outfield?
Richard

Dear Richard,
I pitch.
Janet

Sometimes we bend to avoid breaking. But sometimes, using this negotiation lesson from the sandlot, we stand our ground.

I pitch.