I don’t like baseball all that much (it isn’t played very often on this part of the ocean), but I find the song by Kenny Rogers very inspiring. The story behind the song seems to be (according to Wikipedia) that a baseball player named Kenny Rogers (not to be confused with the country singer – the author of the song) had moderate success as a shortstopper (I apologize for any potential misuse of technical terms) but after starting to play as a pitcher, had a wildly successful career.

The takeaway message of the song (in my opinion) is (and the same time part of my life philosophy) that good things come to those who believe in themselves and persevere. If at first you don’t succeed, use a bigger hammer 🙂

You can download the MP3 version of the song from the site of the Bolton Baseball club (click on Song About Baz).

Lyrics:

Little boy, in a baseball hat,
Stands in a field, with his ball and bat,
says "I am the greatest, player of them all"
puts his bat on his shoulder, and tosses up his ball.

And the ball goes up, and the ball comes down,
he swings his bat all the way around,
and the worlds so still you can hear the sound
as the baseball falls, to the ground.

Now the little boy, doesn't say a word,
picks up his ball, he is undeterred,
Says "I am the greatest, there has ever been,"
and he grits his teeth, and tries it again.

And the ball goes up, and the ball comes down,
he swings his bat all the way around,
and the worlds so still you can hear the sound
as the baseball falls, to the ground.

He makes no excuses, He shows no fear,
He just closes his eyes, and listens to the cheers.

Little boy, he adjusts his hat
picks up his ball, stares at his bat,
says "I am the greatest, the game is on the line,"
and he gives his all, one last time.

And the ball goes up, like the moon so bright,
Swings his bat, with all his might,
and the worlds as still, as still as can be,
and the baseball falls, and that's strike three.

Now its supper time, and his Mama calls,
little boy starts home, with his bat and ball,
says "I am the greatest, that is a fact,
but even I didn't know, I could pitch like that."

Says, "I am the greatest, that is understood,
but even I didn't know, I could pitch that good."