The beauty about being baseball tough is that it takes absolutely no physical ability. Believe it or not, it is just a choice. Every baseball player can make the choice of making no excuses, confiding in themselves, respecting the game, and facing their fears.
By Tony Vittorio, Head Baseball Coach, University of Dayton
What is baseball tough? This is a great question as we all know that baseball is different from most sports. Here are a few interesting facts about the great game of baseball that makes it different.
* Offensively you fail way more than you succeed and you still might end up in the hall of fame.
* You could throw a no-hitter and still lose the game.
* The defense handles the ball.
* Offensively you could square a ball up four times and be 0-4 in the game.
* There is no clock in baseball.
* It is a game played on dirt, or so I thought, as many fields are turf now.
I could go on and on, and I know that all of you could come up with several facts about why baseball is different then most sports.
Because of the fact that it is a unique sport makes the phrase “you have to be tough” somewhat different in baseball. Here are my thoughts about being tough in baseball.
BASEBALL TOUGH ….. NO EXCUSES ….. CONFIDE IN YOURSELF….. RESPECT THE GAME ….. HANDLE FEAR
Let me explain.
NO EXCUSES – Excuses are for underachievers. Nobody wants to be associated with underachievers. Be an overachiever.
CONFIDE IN YOURSELF – In the real world, if you don’t confide in yourself then nobody will confide in you. Believe in yourself.
RESPECT THE GAME – Being passionate about the game of baseball and your development, as well as playing hard and smart, respects the game.
HANDLE FEAR – Do not shy away from your fears. Find mechanisms to handle your fears. Face your fears.
The beauty about being baseball tough is that it takes absolutely no physical ability. Believe it or not, it is just a choice. Every baseball player can make the choice of making no excuses, confiding in themselves, respecting the game, and facing their fears. My goal would be that all baseball players would make the choice of being baseball tough.
Until next time…..
Tony Vittorio
Baseball Coach
University of Dayton
