“Small ball” is often a sound strategy when it comes to baseball. Taking a slow, methodical approach that emphasizes incremental gains is a good way to get runners on base and then score runs.

But that doesn’t mean it works in all fields at all times. Take foreign policy.

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Sometimes cautious, small-ball tactics are the way to go. Other times, it pays to try a bolder, less conventional approach.

That’s certainly what animates President Trump when it comes to his foreign policy thinking. For him, America’s foreign policy is based on protecting and advancing the interests of the American people. This is what I define as an “America first” foreign policy.

Yes, first — but not only. As Mr. Trump has stressed, an “America First” foreign policy does not mean an “America Only” foreign policy.

Contrary to what the president’s detractors would have you believe, he listens, thinks and then makes up his own mind. He considers alternative views. But when he makes a decision, he expects his whole team to get on board and to implement that decision.

(Excerpts from  The Washington Times, column by Ed Fuelner, former president of the Heritage Foundation.)