Lawrence (Yogi) Berra
Ryan team." accountant, intercompany wanted to become job sign-up sheet was posted, he put his name right at the top. He was a good athlete, and this was his chance.
Arriving at the first game, he was a little surprised to find the beer keg and barbeque pit getting much more attention than the batting cage. The teams were co-ed too.
"Are you a player or a drinker, Ryan?" asked the captain, who was also the chief engineer, a lot more friendly here than on the job. "A player," Ryan answered; eager to show his skill.
"Good. We need a catcher. I'll put you in the line-up right away." The game finally started, after much beer and sausages. The socializing continued on the field as well as off.
At Ryan's first turn at bat, he hit a sure single that he wanted to stretch into a double. The center fielder scooped up the ball and lobbed it in toward the second baseman (or basewoman), a petite blonde named Suzie, the young wife of a senior-level vice president. Wearing a baseball cap and oversized fielder's mitt, she was jumping up and down waving her arms for the ball...and, against all the rules of softball, blocking the base path.
Ryan bore down on her at full speed as the ball approached. Make the play! he resolved. Show them you're an athlete. He slid safely into second, slamming Suzie's legs out from under and sending her sprawling in the dirt. Total silence covered the field. Several players helped her limp off to the bench. Everyone stared at Ryan.
When the game resumed, the next batter singled, but nobody congratulated Ryan as he crossed the plate. The captain took him out. Two weeks later Ryan was laid off in a general cutback.
The best way to join the team-be it softball or software- is to learn the corporate culture and get to know the people. Avoid throwing your weight around until you do
