by Phil Rognier

Having gone to college "way too long", living over six decades, and believing that baseball is the truly only real educational game/sport, I deem it time to declare officially that "Baseball is life" (or vice versa).  There is NO doubt that baseball is the national pastime and a very FUN game to play. 

More importantly, it allows everyone, especially young players, to learn many of life’s lessons in a fun, active, and outdoors environment.  Parents and coaches should facilitate the learning of the game with empowerment the goal rather than enabling or just to try winning the game. The achievement proxy syndrome (living through one’s kids) should be avoided at ALL costs!  All players should be able to experience significant growing pains by participating and watching baseball, the game.

Moreover, the game of baseball creates a generational value as it does change periodically(players, teams, equipment, etc) and this encourages parents, grandparents, and their children to engage in lively “discussions” as to which era, player, team, etc. was the best of all time!

The intrinsic value of baseball and its preparation for a productive life begins with tee ball and proceeds through vicarious playing later in life.  As a youngster, one learns, hopefully, to play fair, how to cooperate with others, self-discipline, a good solid work ethic, how to relate and deal with other races and types of people, to live with intention, to learn to deal with results(good or bad), not to quit no matter what, and of course, that the umpire IS always right!!  These 'lessons' are invaluable in developing good marital, parental, and societal skills, and are generally applicable in everyday living.

Baseball and life are cooperative ventures that are predicated on creating positive relationships and perpetuating the great American way

Baseball and life are heterogeneous and demand the understanding of all types of people, and necessitate "moving your cheese" within an organized societal structure.  Without the ability or patience to change or adapt within our community leaves one hitting below the Mendoza Line and with little self-esteem or personal success.  It is imperative that each person plays by the rules  and learns the over riding precept that we are ALL on the same team but as individuals, we have an obligation to work together, be accountable and responsible for our actions, while at the same time developing our own personality, career, and individuality. 

No can do?  Hence, you are out in both baseball and life…

Baseball and life both require proper preparation and hard work in order to be a success.  Moreover, one needs to get a good pitch to hit after the preparation/practice and the real skill, or trick, is to determine which opportunity will be the most satisfying in its rewards.  In baseball one has to choose the pitch to hit and in life one must travel through the rights of passage and find a path to success.  Neither is easy nor has a secret to success but both require hard work, perseverance, passion, and practice.  Even if a person does stick to his/her guns, does everything correctly, it does not guarantee nor insure success as “baseball is not fair and neither is life”!!