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They
say persistence pays off. Ask 37-year-old Joe Strong, relief pitcher for
the Marlins, who is now in his first year as a major leaguer, for his
opinion. You’ll get a strong yes.
The
Debut
 On
May 11 of this year, Florida Marlins relief pitcher Joe Strong (born September
9, 1962, in Fairfield, California) took the mound in his major league
debut. Joe pitched a scoreless inning and a third against no less than
the likes of the powerful Atlanta Braves. The Atlanta Brave announcers
deserve credit for their acknowledgment of and inspiration derived from
this man’s presence on the mound. They sang his praises of persistence
and dogged perseverance (as well they should have) during the televised
game.
World
Traveler
Joe
Strong boasts as many teams in his game log as any player today. Bounced
between minor league teams of many affiliations, he spent a good deal
of time playing in Asia. He did what it took to play ball, and he played
wherever they provided him with an opportunity. How in the world did
he manage to wait it out?
A
perfectionist Virgo, Joe Strong crafted his game throughout the years.
Taking notes and studying the details of the game, he patiently learned
and learned. With a Moon in Capricorn, Joe knew he could wait forever
if he had to do so. No planetary placement can wait longer, more quietly
and tenaciously than this position. At some inner level (the subconscious
feelings reflect from the Moon) he must have known he would make it
to the majors. This lunar placement refers to ultimate success, often
later in life.
The
Motivator
The
Braves TV announcers commented that Strong should get a variety of commercials
because of his career track. With all his travels, they suggested he
do a Visa ad, since he really does know all the places it’s accepted.
They went on to say he could also become a motivational speaker.
Jupiter the motivator swims in the exotically sensitive Pisces (the
sign of the ocean—you know, where Marlins live) in Joe’s chart, aligned
with the healing influence of Chiron. Heal your hurt feelings and get
back in the swim, this pairing dictates. These two bodies oppose the
power planet Pluto, bringing the unrelenting determination to win at
life at all costs.
He
would be a good motivator. He’d be a good healer to the human spirit.
He can help others find lost faith. Look at his face. If Joe Strong
ever lost faith, you’d never know it. A sunny warmth and refreshing
kindness exudes from his energy. It’s nice to see in these days of greedy
players resentful of others.
Recently,
the Marlins sent Joe Strong back to the minors. It’s okay, though. With
the strength of the aspects in his chart, he's already back. Once again,
Joe Strong will inspire us all to remember the dream.
An
icon lives in the making. With Pluto in the neighborhood of the vital
Sun in Strong’s chart (Pluto, in its current location in Sagittarius,
is square, or 90 degrees from Strong’s Sun; a square is a stressful angle),
we’ll see him gain confidence and position in the game. We should observe
his ascent with interest. Joe has something special. He knows how to hold
on to the dream (a Piscean quest, and he has optimistic, goal-oriented
Jupiter in Pisces), keep tabs on himself and get where he wants to go
(due to his methodical Virgo Sun and Capricorn Moon). Hats off to Joe
Strong for reminding us of those simple details required to keep the faith.
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