His sharp, quick mind grasped instantly where his edge lay. He didn't always grasp it correctly, but he never doubted at that moment that he was right. And in all his personal as well as professional relationships, he subscribed to the precept that the best defense was an aggressive offense. Beat the other guy to the punch. Get them before they get you.
Nice guys finish last.
A ll these traits are reminiscent of McGraw but, of course, not peculiar to the two men. Many of the most successful competitors have them. They believe intimidation of others helps them win. They harass umpires to tilt future calls in their favor, as a matter of policy. They resort to fists without hesitation, as long as they're young, and more subtle forms of attack later.