Sports can be incredibly challenging, even or perhaps particularly for those who perform at the highest levels. Great baseball players are fortunate to get one hit in three times at bat, one homer for every dozen times up, more hits than strikeouts. The best basketball players still miss more shots than they make. “Failing” is a given.
So it is that the following uniquely enduring and endearing observations capture the importance of humility, even for the good sports at the top of their game:
“Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”
Satchel Paige, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians and the Negro Leagues
“It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares about who gets credit.”
John Wooden, Coach, UCLA Basketball
“It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says. I’m always having fun, talking to other guys. They even come to first base and ask me about hitting. I try to help them out as much as I can in the 30 seconds before the pitcher throws the next pitch. That’s me. I don’t think I will ever change that.”
Albert Pujols, First Baseman, Los Angeles Angels and St. Louis Cardinals
“The secret to managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided.”
Casey Stengel, Manager, New York Yankees and New York Mets
“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
Vince Lombardi, Coach, Green Bay Packers
“No matter what accomplishment you make, somebody helped you.”
Althea Gibson, Pro Tennis Player and Golfer
Albert Pujols is my new favorite player,
Ahhhhh… John Wooden!