Why Do We Play Baseball

Why do we play baseball? The simple answer to that question is the love of the game. On a deeper level, I believe that the answer to that question is much more complex. When we step on that field, we step out of a primary baseball environment. When we take that field with our gloves on and our bat hanging over our head, we are leaving a capable player behind. When we take that field with the mindset toenickeoneergirline hat is a vessel of the Gods, we are leaving a capable player behind. Why do you play baseball? Because you can. The reason you play baseball is because you are asked to. The reason you watch baseball on television is because you are asked to. The question is “Is the passion of baseball a factor in whether you play?” The answer is a resounding “No.” Passion is a byproduct of the love of the game. Baseball has been a way of living for millions of people for hundreds of years. Baseball coaches have been attempting to get their players to “play the game” since baseball was invented. Many of these coaches rise to the level of passion, try their best, and succeed. The reason many of them succeed is because their love of the game has filled in the gaps between their actual skills and talents and the ability that those skills are supposed to reveal. That is why great coaches tend to be great teachers. They are able to see something in an athlete that other people are missing because they do not see it. There is just something about them that is stronger than their talent. There is something about them that gives them a purpose beyond just being a good basketball player or football player. Passion is not equal. Some people have it, many people do not. Those that have it seem to make it as though they didn’t just have it, but their life is about the game. The game cannot be relegated to just being about the game. It is an art. A game that can delve deep into someone’s personal life. It is not a game that can be played to the grind of high school athletics. As a former high school coach, baseball was a huge part of the view that I experienced. I can also talk about myself and my successes in this game. It was a huge part of the reason that I was able to go as far as I did in my college career and in my coaching career. You cannot give more than a commitment. You cannot give more than a commitment and expect to win. You must give more to the game than a commitment. There cannot be an equal. There is a difference. So why should we play baseball? Because it’s a game! Please do not misunderstand me. I am aware that other athletic games may carry on to this day but none of them has the same level of passion. I am talking about baseball. Whether you were a college basketball player that excelled at your game or a varsity high school player that wanted to try your luck in the NBA draft, you should play baseball. If you are the kind of person that thinks that commitment and passion I the same thing, then I should also understand where your passion in baseball lies. If it’s to watch a baseball game with your kids (because that’s what I did and still do) but you worry that it may end up in bed or finals, then I probably do not share that same level of passion. What I do know is that baseball in its purest form cannot be played to the level that most people associate with (or continue to believe in) great morals and playing. Think about that. Think about the game from the outside looking in. It was designed to be a game where you set one another up. It is a game where you must give less and you must take more. It is a game with a rigid, perfectionist, Austrian army-style metal-arm methodology for perfection. Ah, but isn’t that what you want your kids doing? Isn’t that what you need your kids to do? Isn’t that what you want them doing? Is it the commitment to a goal that surpasses the goals of the other 10 kids on your block where you live? Maybe. But at what price? I believe the answer is highly unlikely. Again, think about the ” transforms” of many young athletes. Is that what you want your children doing? Or are they your kids? Too often, I leave reaching this question to the passionate parents to solve…on their own. Young athletes like too many other young athletes only get the best and only see themselves getting close because they feel that they are worthy of being the best. Maybe you get the same level of service. But the question is…where?