What Baseball Taught Me About Life
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Living in the north, nothing says it’s spring more than the welcome lack of snow in my yard and of course the start of little league baseball. Seeing all the recent Facebook posts of little league parades and munchkins in their uniforms brings back heart-warming memories of cheering my own son and daughter when they were younger.
Whether you love it or don’t care for it, the game of baseball can teach us a few things about life:
It’s more fun when you participate
If you’ve ever played baseball, and ever watched a game on TV, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s more fun to play than to watch. Life is a participation sport. Don’t get stuck watching others living life to the fullest via your social media feed. Get in the game of life!
Sacrifices are an important part of the game.
In baseball, a sacrifice advances someone else at your expense. If you’re a parent, you know what it’s like to spend a sleepless night caring for a sick child, or giving of yourself so that they have what they need. Sacrifices to support those we care about are an important part of life because it helps others know they are loved.
Backup those around you.
Ever notice what happens when a fly ball goes towards one outfielder in baseball? The next nearest outfielder runs to be a backup. In life, when those around you are extending themselves, be encouraging, be supportive, and be present. You never know when they may need reassurance of your support.
Bad seasons end.
Bad seasons may feel like they last forever, but they don’t. We can be encouraged in life knowing that if we’re going through a rough patch, even the worst seasons come to an end. Teams that go through decades of drought win championships. Our seasons are the same. We will have our share of great seasons to celebrate!
Sometimes it doesn’t seem fair.
Whether it’s a questionable call at the plate or an amazing fly ball that gets snagged on its way over the fence, sometimes it doesn’t seem fair. In life, we won’t always like how the shots are called and won’t be thrilled when our best doesn’t seem good enough, but, if we can rest easy knowing that if we dust ourselves off, we can continue. Be proud when you give your best, no matter the outcome. The game goes on. Life goes on.
You don’t know when it will be over.
Unlike other sports, there’s no clock in baseball. Still, you know it will eventually end. Life is the same. We need to enjoy the journey and make the most of it because we never know when it will end.
Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and maybe even a game of baseball or two. If you do get a chance to play or watch, I hope you’re reminded of these great takeaways and apply them to your life.
Which lesson from baseball hits home with you, one of these or one of your own? I’d love to hear from you! Comment to join the conversation.
And, if this encouraged you, why not share it on your social media? Maybe your friends would enjoy it too.
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I greatly enjoyed reading the lessons that you learned from baseball. I had never thought about the correlation between baseball and life, until I read your writing. I, too, enjoy baseball, my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, have had their ups and downs through the years, but I have stuck by them,…it reminded me of my marriage. Things have not always gone smoothly, we have had good seasons and bad throughout the years, but I have always stuck by him and just like many of the players do when they get up to bat,…I pray (a lot). Keep up the great writing Susan.
Thanks Su! Hoping your good seasons out number the challenging ones! Blessings, Susan
Susan – I always enjoy reading your blog! I have found that in the comment section, that the picture area always covers up some of the wording; would this be able to be corrected? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and encouragements with others. You are appreciated greatly.
A Faithful Reader,
Su
Thanks Su. Are you reading on a phone or on a computer? Also which browser are you using? I’ve tried to recreate the problem and I can’t. (Hard to fix when I can’t make it happen on my end.) Thanks for being a faithful reader. Your comments are always appreciated! blessings, Susan
Love it, Love it. I am a baseball fan. I can not play due to a life time of polio but I definitely participate. The Minnesota TWINS are just what I love. Have lots of shirts and wear one when the team plays a home game. Last week I had the privilege of taking three cancer survivors to a game. I purchased the tickets at the local Boys and Girls club fund raiser in February. I am a proud support of this organization in our little town. We all made new Circle me Burt signs related to cancer in some way. Large pink cancer ribbon, one had her picture as she was the bat girl first pitch last year on Mothers day, one a 6 year survivor and I was the supporter with a colorful bra under my circle. On our way to the game, and we were supper excited we heard that FOX sports North was not having anyone at the game that day. That meant no one would be there to circle us but we acted crazy with our signs, had great food and had the best time. We did not win the game but a great day was had by all of us. So I love your post. The best is the last. We don’t know when the game is over. Such as with life. We don’t know when it will be over. Love every day to the fullest. Thanks again for the great read.
Linda, So glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you for sharing about your outing.It sounds like such a fabulous time! What a blessing! – Susan