A former Dominican Republic pitcher in Major League Baseball, Juan Marichal had a special method for keeping up his craft. He thought that maintaining strong and sharp skills required consistent practice and effort.
Think of your arm as a garden that requires frequent watering and care to remain strong and fruitful. Marichal compared throwing pitches to watering this garden because each throw builds and fortifies the pitching muscles, which eventually become more resilient. His understanding that physical skills, like any other skill, require active engagement to develop and endure is reflected in this philosophy.
Marichal's career is a testament to his commitment and diligence. He was regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball at the time he played, from 1960 to 1975. Over the years, many athletes have found resonance in his training and maintenance insights, which demonstrate that maintaining peak performance requires constant effort.
Marichal's advice essentially emphasizes the notion that consistent practice and use are necessary to sustain strength and proficiency. Applying your skills consistently, whether it's throwing a ball or developing any other skill, keeps them sharp and prepared to give their best effort when it's most needed.