Bernie Fratto

Speaking
of
Sports 

by
Bernie 
Fratto


The Mark of Success

11/21/2005 

I was in Dallas over the weekend, and even though I witnessed the Pistons first loss, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban.

Cuban is energetic, enthusiastic, eccentric... and brilliant. He's taken a moribund franchise and turned it into a model of success and a work of art.

"We sell sore throats, worn out hands from clapping and cheering, and fun." And, he's done it. His competitive spirit is far beyond the scope of virtually anyone I've ever met and his motivation came from the famous novel, "The Fountain Head," by Ayn Rand.

"The Fountain Head" features the story of a famous architect that defies the odds and pursues his dreams in spite of opposition and jealousy.

Unlike most, he refuses to be influenced or intimidated by what others think about him.

Cuban grew up dreaming of playing professional basketball. Born in Pittsburgh, he graduated from Indiana University in 1981, the year the won the NCAA championship.

Even though Cuban is 6' 4" he was not on that team. In fact he didn't even play High School basketball, he was cut twice.

He routinely shoots in pre-game with the team, and once made 61 free throws in a row.

There is no question his fire comes from his desire to be in the world of sports. And he exemplifies the greatest lesson.

It's not what happens to you, it's how you react.

(c) 2005 Novi Information Network
www.novi.org

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Bernie Fratto
is a freelance writer, radio personality, and motivational speaker.  His passion for sports comes in part from his experience as a former Cincinnati Red farm- hand.  "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings" said Fratto.  "These athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm.