AMC is currently showing Moneyball in its rotation. My world usually stops when it’s on. It brings me joy.

Watching it last night, this scene particularly stood out. Some would say it’s the best scene in the movie. Hard to say. But there is a great line in this scene I’d like to chew on.

“The first guy through the wall, he always gets bloody. Always.”

For those unfamiliar with the movie’s story, this scene is toward the end of the movie. The character Brad Pitt plays is the General Manager for the major league baseball team the Oakland A’s. He’s just led them through a historic season that began a shift in the sport. For that matter, in many sports.

How did he do that? He integrated math and science into the operations of running a baseball team. He was the first to do it. And he paid dearly for it. He got bloody.

In an earlier scene, he is challenged by the guy he brought in to lead this change. When he started traded players that didn’t make sense to the average baseball executive, he was warned that it wouldn’t be popular. This clip is the end of that exchange.

Leaders, one could say if you don’t have some blood on you something’s wrong. “What are we doing here?” If you’re looking at the wall wondering if it’s worth it, check your questions. They may not be the right ones.

Being the first leader through the wall takes courage. Take a few steps back and start running.