Being a rabid baseball fan, this is one of my favorite times of the year. In the
major leagues, winning becomes urgent and overcoming losses and mistakes is critical. Skill is important, but skill can’t win without attitude.
Of course, this also the time of year when Little League Baseball reaches its peak in its World Series. Edogawa Minami Little League from Toyko, Japan, won it his year, beating Waipio Little League from Wiapahu, Hawaii, 4-1. Of course, the team had to be technically good to win, but their edge was in their discipline and confidence.
These are important lessons to pass on as children start a new school year, where both known and new challenges can seem daunting. This baseball story expresses the importance of attitude very well.
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strode through his backyard, baseball cap in place and toting ball and bat. “I’m the greatest baseball player in the world.” he said proudly. Then he tossed the ball in the air, swung and missed.
Undaunted, he picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, “I’m the greatest baseball player ever!” He swung at the ball again, and again he missed.
He paused a moment to examine the bat and ball carefully. Then once again he threw the ball into the air and said, “I’m the greatest baseball player who ever lived.” He swung the bat hard and again missed the ball.
“Wow!” he exclaimed. “What a pitcher!”
We have just finished our first baseball variation of our Storybook Quilt, Vroom! Vroom! Get Me to the Game on Time, also about determination to overcome the odds in order to win a game. We will have it for sale at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts on September 11-12, at the Crafts as Art Festival at the Nassau County Museum on October 9-11, and through our website.













