Baseball has a very contested history. Some argue that it’s an English invention, and evolved from the old sport of rounders. Others, however, say that the sport is entirely American. But no matter the origin of the sport, it has become distinctly American. Today millions of fans crowd stadiums eating hotdogs and cheering for their teams (while cursing the opposing one). From fans cheering for their favorite team in the crowd, to players experiencing different ethnicities to grow up and become a star, they all have one thing in common- an undying love for one of the most iconic sports in the world.
My (Connor’s) own journey started at five years old. My parents signed me up for tee ball at the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association, and let’s just say I was a fierce player. I was that kid who was sprinting around the bases like my life depended on it, trying to prove I was the greatest to anyone watching. I actually used to get backlash from my teammates because I would chase down every ball that was hit, even if it wasn’t at my position. By the age of fourteen, I leveled up to travel ball with the Rawlings Tigers. I wanted to join a travel team because not only was I good enough to play better competition, but I wanted to prove myself that I have the talent to play in college. I had played on many college fields for showcase tournaments throughout my tenure of travel baseball, including the University of Duke and NC State University, just to name a few. Every player’s dream is to play college ball, and that was my number one goal that stuck by me every day.
Baseball has been more than just a game. It is a sport that teaches discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. At a young age, baseball provides an opportunity to grow both mentally and physically while learning values of hard work and dedication. Players usually spend countless hours hitting, throwing, and fielding a baseball, which practices the development of patience and dedication for yourself. The competitiveness of baseball pushes players to pursue improvement for not only yourself, but for your teammates who are willing to learn and work hard to be successful. As a leader, I have to learn this process through responsibility, and balancing my success and failure because I want to show that I am a valued person for others to look up to.
Baseball is not just a physical sport; it also requires strong mental focus and emotional strength. An example of a player who had to face adversity of focus was Jackie Robinson. On April 15th, 1947, Jackie broke the color barrier for African Americans when he debuted as a first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. He had to face diversity leading all the way up to his debut in the major leagues. When he was on the Montreal Royals in 1946, Jackie had faced hatred, racial discrimination and segregation challenges from his teammates and fans of the Royals. He was forced to sit on the back of the bus, receiving death threats, and getting called racial slurs while playing on the field. That didn’t stop Jackie from playing the game he loves. Jackie’s story teaches young ball players that confidence, self-control, and perseverance can overcome challenges both on and off the field.
From the rough-hewn fields of the nineteenth century to the highly specialized, data-driven diamonds, baseball’s evolution of its game has consistently defined its characteristics. This journey can relate to myself because I started on the grass in my backyard learning the fundamentals of baseball and getting taught how to play. My success would lead to me becoming a team captain and an advanced player derived from hard work and determination. Baseball is about making memories and making the best career possible, rather than just putting yourself out on the field because your parents made you and playing like nothing matters. Dedication for the game will showcase talent and passion to yourself to always chase your dreams and never quit, even if life is hard to overcome. Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Baseball has taught me that the impact you make on and off the field matters more than statistics on the scoreboard.
