What We Can Learn From Magic Johnson and Babe Ruth

Magic Johnson and Babe Ruth: Stars as Players, but Lackluster Performances as Coaches

As you read the histories of two incredibly successful athletes—Magic Johnson of the LA Lakers and Babe Ruth of NY Yankees—similarities emerge. They both had a bounty of natural talent, both earned winning championships as players… and both failed miserably as coaches. 

Both expressed total frustration while coaching professional athletes. What was missing was an ability to explain the nuances of the game — breaking down the skills and steps necessary for success. What they were able to achieve as athletes by hard work and discipline, they were unable to manifest in other athletes, because what works for one will not necessarily work for another.

Both Johnson and Ruth were unable to understand that what had worked for them—the actions and/or steps needed to play with extraordinary grace and skill—did not work for other players, which led to frustration for both coaches and players. Understanding that each player has a different set of needs, learning curves, levels of mind/body connection — and that each player has to be taught/coached in a unique way, supporting all of their differences — can lead to exhaustion or defeat of the coach/teacher.

The crux of the problem is that management expected a great player to automatically be a great coach — but these are two different skill sets. One does not transfer into another. Michael Jordan, for instance, understands this and has never opted to be a coach; in interviews, he has expressed an understanding that he simply wouldn’t have the patience.

Those that can, do. Those that can teach, teach thousands to do.