Winning Sports Quotes Bring MLB Memory Lane

Winning Sports Quotes to Live By

I’ve been a coach for 34 years now. I make this point to let you know that role carries over into my writing. I have little to say if it weren’t for suggestions to help others improve. That is what coaches do; they offer their knowledge to open opportunities for improvement in the hopes of winning. I wish I had more answers, but every day presents a chance to find more of them, and as I find them, I pass them on. 

In the two eBooks I have coming out soon, I try to formulate “epic,” inspirational quotes like some of the iconic ones we’ve all heard in the past. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite sports quotes with a short analysis and MLB players that come to mind with the selection. 

Nerves of Steel

 “I sure do. When I stop getting nervous, I won’t be here.”  

Arnold Palmer

I love this comment because no one would expect it from an athlete that looked like he was having so much fun all the time. It’s comforting to know that nerves are even part of the best athletes. I feel connected to the great Arnold Palmer; I never played a game when I was not nervous, at any level.  The concept is something I pass on to kids - nerves are OK and natural. It is good if players feel tension because that gets the adrenaline going and heightens the senses.

I’m reminded of a few players I played against back in the day – Eddie Murray, George Brett, and Robin Yount. You would swear they were out at the beach just hanging with their buds with how relaxed they were on the field. I don’t know if they had nerves like me, but I know looks were deceiving as they were stone, cold competitors when it came to beating you, especially when the game was on the line. To play that relaxed and yet so fiercely was not something I could do.

Excuses, Not Him

“If you want to do something, you will find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”
Jim Rohn

Motivation speaker Jim Rohn’s insight is on target. Those, who focus on their goals until they are satisfied with their effort, get ahead. Those who look for shortcuts along the way never seem to succeed and wonder why. The second group has regrets someday. I am sure we all have some life regrets, but knowing we control giving our best minimizes them.

The MLB player who comes to mind is Kirk Gibson. He would have had a great excuse if he never pinch-hit in the first game of the 1988 World Series – he could barely walk. But instead of using the excuse, he hobbled up to the plate, grimaced with every swing, and then hit one of the most memorable home runs in history. He found a way, indeed.

Pressure Unpacked

MLB manager Joe Maddon nailed it when he said,

“Don’t ever permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure.”

This statement is ever more significant in today’s world. Many people have developed emotional issues because of the pressures of having to be the best and feeling that anything less makes them a failure. No matter its source, stress can alter our behavior; ask actor Will Smith, I joke. It is easier said than done to minimize self and outside pressure, but when winning and being the best isn’t the only goal, one can find pleasure in everything.  The striving to reach one’s potential is paramount to happiness, not the outcome.

One of the bests I recall handling pressure was Derek Jeter, one of the all-time great postseason players. I can only surmise how he did it but here goes. I believe he treated all games the same, whether in season or the post-season. That way, focus and playing hard came naturally, no matter the stakes. Second, he never tried to do more than he could by staying within his plan and limits. And, after all, he was the captain for a reason – he led by example.

Work Ethic, Bar None

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Tim Notke – H.S. basketball coach

This one is so accurate as many talented people fall by the wayside only to see others with less talent progress to higher levels. Developing the gifts one has, whether they are strong or not, is the way to contentment.

I could easily name many less talented players who worked themselves into major league players. But when you have that talented player who outworks everyone else, you get a superstar and Hall of Famer. Such is the case with the great Carlton Fisk. Having had the pleasure of playing on the same team, I saw firsthand the work ethic of one of the greats. I often remember reporters and others wishing to talk to him after games, only to find out he was in the weight room working to be better. As if being at the park for eight hours already wasn’t enough, Carlton showed how champions do it - they combine their gifts with outworking all others. 

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The Sun Will Come out Tomorrow

“A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.”

Charles Gordy

Of course, this is not just a sports suggestion but a life one. Many athletes and people, in general, are perfectionists and never appear satisfied. It’s important to realize there will be ups and downs, but looking at the bright side can shape not only one’s attitude but others and even the results. Looking at losing and adversity as the nature of life and sport’s process keeps depression away.

One athlete comes to mind here, a former teammate who has left us way too soon. His unbreakable spirit led to a couple of the most clutch home runs in Boston Red Sox history. Dave Henderson, “Hendu,” brought a smile to everything he did. I’m sure he dealt with many pressures from being a five-tool player with high expectations. However, you would never know it from the joyful expression on his face and bounce to his step. Thank you, Hendu; you are forever remembered.  

And another line that rings true.
“You’re never as good as everyone tells you when you win, and you’re never as bad as they say when you lose.” Lou Holtz

So true, and why we see teams go from last to first and vice versa.

Finally, it’s critical to give thanks for every new day as it offers the chance to prove ourselves to ourselves. Happy Trails!