Over my years in baseball I’ve heard coaches, administrators and other parents say when describing another player, oh they are not “good enough”. You can also add “not big enough” or not “strong enough” to their criticism. Regardless of the label or who uses it to single out a player, it has the potential to, and in most cases will destroy a player’s confidence and desire to continue playing baseball.
What do you think about this?
Personally it upsets me to no end to hear any player regardless of age to be described with these labels. Granted some may be deserving of the description but in most cases it is simply wrong to do so. Yes they may lack certain skills but is it from a lack of knowledge or have they suffered as a result of the local organization inability to teach them the proper fundamentals of the game. Regardless of the cause, the label has no place in a child’s development.
On the positive side and despite these remarks many players have overcome the so called “not good enough” label and beat the odds! I would like to share this article for any player that thinks or has been told “they’re not good enough or not big enough”. They have a choice and hopefully this article will inspire them to overcome any of the labels.
Here is a example of someone who choose to prove them he WAS good eneough… He’s 5′ 7″ tall, was told “he would never play in the Major Leagues”. At the peak of his carrer he signed a $4.5 Million contract AND was a World Series MVP.
“Some baseball people said I’d never play in the Major Leagues. Some even said it to my face. I’ve been the shortest player on the field at 5 feet 7 inches, some Little Leaguers are taller than me. Some said I didn’t have all five tools scouts seek – hitting for average, hitting with power, speed, fielding, and arm strength. I never gave up, and I never lost heart. I knew I had to be the best at every level. This meant I had to set goals for myself and continually work to improve my skills. As a result, I did become a Major Leaguer and I continue to set new goals and work hard.”
I would like to point out that this individual did not have a college scholarship his first year of school. His name is David Eckstein. Excerpts are taken from “Have Heart” by
David Eckstein with Greg Brown.
If this doesn’t inspire you I don’t think anything will. If you are thinking “okay but he is one of the few,” you are right. But why is he one of the few? He had not only the heart, determination and commitment to be the best at every level, but he also had guidance and direction to help him become a Major League player.
In my opinion, anything is possible and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You just have to believe in yourself and don’t listen to anyone who tells you “can’t” because you can!. I can’t promise you will become a Major Leaguer because there are other factors which can determine your outcome. If your goals are different that’s okay too. What I am trying to say is that if you want to be the best, give it everything you have, day in and day out, then you can become the best you can be. And one last thing, working hard isn’t good enough, working hard with a purpose and having a plan for what you are trying to accomplish is key to your future success.
There are players at all levels that have proven to beat the odds or accomplish goals they or others thought were otherwise unattainable. I may not know you personally but I do know this about every hitter including you, you wants to hit the ball with more power and for higher average. Am I right?
Do you wish to have you son or daughter become a better hitter? If so I can help you like the many other players I have trained from amateurs, professionals, MLB #1 draft picks and National Team members to mention a few. Many players I have trained over the years have proven others wrong. Why? I gave them the direction and tools they needed to take their game to the next level.
We can help you become a better hitter if “you” put your mind to it. Are you ready for the challenge?
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