Understanding why we are here on this place called earth is a mystery. Life has
so many obstacles, so many hardships. It is the success that we accomplish that
allows us to survive; everyone wants to be the best at what they do. Being a
success shows others that we can do it. We are just as good as the next person.
We are all equal. Life is like baseball. There are your chances to get a hit and
field the ball with perfection. Make the best of every chance you get because
those chances may not be there the next time. I made the best of baseball, and
it all started in little league. Through the hardships that I faced I overcame a
lot. Baseball has helped me deal with mockery. People will find something they
don’t like in an individual, and pick it out. Those who mock others have low
self-esteem, and it makes them feel better to point out other’s flaws. I got
made fun of in little league by many people including one parent. I was only ten
years old when all this mockery was taking place. My feelings were obviously
hurt. Hurting a ten year old’s feeling is downright low. I wanted to be good
at baseball, but I was not getting my chance to play. I practiced and practiced
each day. My parents supported me dearly. I knew things would get better because
I wanted them to. Another way baseball has helped me is that it made me
determined. Determination was what I had to search for deep down inside. Right
before opening day, my grandfather passed. I was so close to him; it hurt me
really bad. I made it a point that I would dedicate my final little league year,
12 year olds, to him. I feel that my grandfather watched over me every game. He
made me a new player with a new attitude. I finally got my chance, and made the
most of it. I was the first pick overall, and would be the ace of the pitching
staff. Before I would pitch, I would look up into the sky and give a little wink
to my grandfather, who was my biggest fan. I never lost my faith. I received the
M.V.P. award that year. I struck out 67 of 69 batters faced along with a
reported 77 M.P.H. fastball as a 12 year old. I was also the M.V.P. of the
all-star team. I had many one-hitters, and a no-hitter. All this happened
because I never lost my faith. My parents taught me to also strive toward your
goals, and don’t let anyone tell you that you that you can’t. Throughout my
life I have dealt with so much. Baseball has really helped me. I used to be the
“goat,” and turned into the “hero,” overnight as it seemed. Little
league was just the start; grade school and high school were just the same.
Faith applies to everything that you do in life. If the individual doesn’t
have belief in who they are, and what they do, they are not going to be a
success. Believe in yourself, and never be ashamed of anything. My family has
helped me so much. Without my family, I would not be anything because I would
have given up. Being rich and famous is what everyone wants as it seems. In
reality, however, they just want to be happy. Right now I am happy, but I cannot
say if I will be tomorrow. Baseball has helped me deal with people, and to not
take things people say seriously. If I would sit in my room and cry everyday
that means I gave up. That is not going to happen. My mom always said to always
to my best, and that would be good enough for her. Tomorrow my life could
change. It may be in a positive way or a negative way; I must be ready for
either one. The success I had in baseball is astronomical. However, an injury a
year ago destroyed my baseball career. They said scholarships were waiting for
me. I realize what baseball did for me, however. It not only kept me out of
trouble, but also gave me self-esteem. Self-esteem is key these days. If you
really want something you have to go out and get it. Success will only come to
those whom choose to be successful. I had many fears in life then. I overcame
them. People must laugh at fear, and realize they can overcome it. When I
stepped up to the plate, I would hear boos. Nobody thought I could be the player
I was; they were wrong. I never let what people said bother me; it only made me
want to do better. Baseball was my life, and helped me throughout it.