Cameron Buford, whatsgoodinsports.com
This year, baseball’s mid-summer classic was at the Los Angeles Dodgers in their newly remodeled stadium. Major league baseball all-stars converge on Southern California to show off their talent in one of the most prestigious and revered all-star competitions in professional sports. For the first time since 1980, Dodgers Stadium hosted the 92nd MLB All-Star game this past weekend.
Still beaming from sharing his heartfelt message of inclusion to start the telecast, former league MVP and hometown favorite Mookie Betts drove in the game’s first run when he singled in Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr.. In the fourth inning New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and Minnesota Twins Centerfielder Byron Buxton hit back-to-back home runs for only the seventh time in MLB All-Star game history. Given the American League their insurmountable lead and their ninth consecutive win.
Like many other sports, baseball offers its unique lesson to those who choose to play it. Where you may never be able to hit a curve ball like a major leaguer or pitch like one, you can internalize the lessons they’ve learned throughout their years of playing baseball and apply them to your own life. With this in mind, I asked multiple players during their media availability sessions this past weekend about what the game of baseball has taught them.
“It definitely teaches you how to accept and embrace failure,” said Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Mookie Betts.
“Basically, three things; discipline, respect the game and work very hard,” mentioned Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladmir Guerro Jr. about what baseball taught him.
“It humbles you,” explains Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson about the game of baseball. “When you go into different stadiums, in different cities, and play in front of thousands of people, you know; I’m definitely thankful for the moment.”
“Any little thing can change the course of the season,” Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendricks told me when asked what the game of baseball has taught him. “Also, the effect that you, or someone, can have on people around them.”
“It’s taught me quite a bit. One of the biggest things is being humble, because you can go from one night going 4-4 and being on top of the world. To the next night, guess what, I’m 0-4 and lose the game for my team,” said New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
“Don’t get too high, or to low. Enjoy the process and think about other’s first,” Judge added. “In baseball not one guy can win the game, it’s all about being there for your teammates.”
On a large-scale baseball, like sports, has taught Americans the power unity and joining forces to defeat the competition. Regardless of one’s color, background or religious preference sports remains the places where people of all ages can unite to exceed their goals.
Although these lessons come from those one percent of players that make the big leagues, they still can be incorporated into our daily lives to improve our work performance, overall production, and critical interpersonal relationships. Let your voice be heard about these messages from these selected MLB Superstars by sharing your thoughts on these messages. Do any of these players message’s stand out to you? Let us know which one’s by reaching out to me on Twitter @_voiceofthefans or email me at voiceofthefans@outlook.com. I also encourage you to forward suggestions on what angles or topics you would like to see discussed in the coming weeks.
