Hall of Famer pitches game of life in Schwab

He pitched another perfect game last night -- this time at Schwab Auditorium.

Palmer pitched with the Baltimore Orioles for 21 years; he then gained fame as a sports broadcaster and for his commercial acting.

The former Oriole spoke on topics ranging from his first major league game to what it was like to be in the broadcast booth with Howard Cosell.

The main purpose for Palmer's presentation, though, was to tell people how to reach total commitment. He broke his formula down into four areas: intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional or social.

"My challenge to all of you is to take a look at yourself," he said. "Take a look in the mirror and see if you're going where you want to be."

Palmer illustrated his points with stories of the different ways and different people who taught him these lessons. He spoke about his failure the first time he broadcasted a game and of his ill-fated 1991 baseball comeback attempt.

The 1990 Hall of Fame inductee spoke of the many acquaintances who have touched his life throughout the years. The person, Palmer said, who had the biggest effect on him was Edward Bennett Williams. Williams, a lawyer who bought the Orioles in 1979, explained total commitment to Palmer and his Oriole teammates in a pregame speech.

Another motivational force in Palmer's life was his known rival, former Orioles' manager Earl Weaver.

"He would motivate you any way he could," Palmer said.

He shared a story to illustrate Weaver's motivational techniques. Palmer told the crowd about how Weaver used to tell the team at the end of spring training that he had picked the "best 25 guys."

One year, when the Orioles weren't playing particularly well, Weaver sat the team down in the locker room and told them, "I made a mistake."

The players were astounded to hear Weaver admit a blunder. But he continued: "I picked the wrong 25 guys."

Along with Palmer's comments on his emotional philosophies, he also addressed his beliefs concerning the physical aspects of total commitment.

Palmer stressed the importance of staying in shape and taking care of your body. He also told the audience to constantly reassess where they are in life and not to be afraid to take risks. Palmer emphasized what he learned about how baseball applies to everyday life.

"Sports and real life have a lot in common," Chris Owens (senior-communications) said. "It shows you how to be successful."

After Palmer's presentation he answered questions and signed autographs. The questions ranged from what his opinion was on the state of baseball to what it was like to be in The Naked Gun.

In this age of free agency, Palmer offered his thoughts on team loyalty. He played his whole 21-year career for one team and said the problem today is money.

Mike McKinney of State College believed in what Palmer said last night, and added that Palmer is what exemplifies a sports hero.

"It confirmed that the man is a class guy," McKinney said. "He's what you'd like your sports heroes to be like."