I just finished listening to The Team by Paul Babcock on Audible, which was read by Paul himself. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to fall in love with this book, and Paul’s story. It is the all American hard-working story of triumph and victory through failure and struggle. I’ll anxiously await a movie to come out one day with a storyline similar to the movie Rudy.
Paul went on to play baseball for the College of St. Francis (now the University of St. Francis) NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics…The NCAA before the NCAA existed) in Illinois.
After his sophomore year, the coaches told Paul that he would never play again, and thanked him for his dedication. They basically offered him an invitation to move away from the team. Paul said he understood but still wanted to be part of the team and asked where he could be an impact player. Perhaps by being a pinch runner, etc. Paul was in great shape, very fast, and was dedicated to helping the team improve.
Most people, when told they have zero chance to play again, would take their ball and go home. They flat-out told him he wouldn’t play again.
Paul remained positive. He continued to give his all and had a good attitude.
During his junior year, what they told him was true. He didn’t play, but he continued with his positive attitude. He still showed up at practice and gave it his all.
Senior year however, things changed. A couple of players had transferred. With Paul’s continued dedication to showing up and working hard, he got an opportunity to play in the outfield and became a starter.
The team went on to make it to the College World Series. Paul not only became a full-time player but also a contributor. Below is a clip of Paul making a diving catch in the World Series game that you could say helped win the championship for Saint Francis. It’s unbelievable. Going from a kid who was being told he’s not going to play to making a game-saving catch with immense effort on this play is just incredible.
View the catch here: https://bit.ly/ELBlogBabcockcatch
I kept shaking my head over and over. He just stayed with it, and then that catch. He says he’s worked his whole life to make that play, and I have chills watching it.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book, which you can purchase on audible or in print on amazon here.
I think Paul’s story is important. Life isn’t always about the victories and the bright moments in the spotlight. It’s when we are told no, doors are closed for us, and things don’t go our way. Paul was told he’d never play again and went on to become a national champion. This story reminds us how important it is to not focus on the events that happened to us but on our response to them.
It’s the formula of E plus R equals O. Event plus response equals outcome. Paul had the event of being told he was never going to play again. He was almost dismissed from the team. He responded with a tremendously positive attitude and dedicated himself to being a champion. He went to the National Championship because he stayed with it. His response to this event was one of positivity, dedication, and making the best of the situation. Well done, Paul. This is an excellent lesson for us all. I’m proud to know you and so happy you shared your book with me! I think it’s a must-read for all young athletes, and not just those involved in baseball. You can watch Paul as a guest on the #ELB podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOqroeccMPA&t=2s
Keep surviving & thriving friends! #SurviveThrive
