Epstein talks down being `world's greatest leader'

If a big part of being a leader is humility, then former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, who was recently voted the world’s greatest leader by Fortune magazine, certainly passes that test.

Epstein, who currently serves as the Chicago Cubs’ president of baseball operations, reacted with surprise and modesty when he found out he had been given the impressive title.

“That is ridiculous. The whole thing is patently ridiculous. It’s baseball — a pastime involving a lot of chance,” Epstein said in a text exchange with ESPN’s Buster Olney. “If (Ben) Zobrist’s ball is three inches further off the line, I’m on the hot seat for a failed fiveyear plan. And I’m not even the best leader in our organization; our players are.”

Epstein, of course, was referring to Zobrist’s goahead RBI double in the top of the 10th inning in Game 7 of last year’s World Series against the Indians.

And fresh off of their first World Series title in 108 years, the Cubs look to be in good position to become the league’s first repeat champ since the 2000 Yankees.

And when you look at Fortune’s list of the world’s 50 greatest leaders, you’ll notice Epstein beat out some world-renowned figures.

Pope Francis came in third, German Chancellor Angela Merkel placed 10th, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finished 31st.

Other, less conventional names on the list included comedian Samantha Bee, Shakira, and Chance The Rapper.

And though many will agree with Epstein in saying that his place atop the list is laughable, let’s look at what the 43-year-old Brookline native has accomplished.

By bringing titles to the two most championshipstarved franchises in North American professional sports, Epstein put smiles and tears on the faces of the millions of Red Sox and Cubs fans.

In the wake of the Cubs come-from-behind World Series win, I wrote that Epstein would be a successful politician if he wanted a fresh start somewhere outside of sports.

Before you laugh, remember that no one thought that Donald Trump would ever be commander in chief.

President Trump, by the way, was noticeably absent from the list. I’m sure he’s not happy, and will dismiss the list as “fake news” and blast Fortune as a “failing” publication.

Maybe it was Trump’s lack of humility that hurt his chances of making the list. That’s an area where Epstein could certainly give the president some pointers.