Good article. I get fed up with all my socks going missing as they get rolled into a ball, covered in taypee and used as a baseball ball. All of the sticks get taken out of my brooms and used as a bat.
Matilda
Good article. They give credit to where credit is due. Genetics! At that level you can train all you want but without the blessings of mother nature you are spinning your wheels. All professional athletes are freaks of nature. The mental component is good but it won't come close to good genes
I know too many athletes, musicians, etc who would beg to differ. They have always told me it's based on practice, practice, practice and when their done, more practice and a love for what they do. When you see baseball or any other path as your only vehicle out of poverty, you will take it. You can be naturally skilled to anything but without practicing your craft, fuggetaboutit.
I know too many athletes, musicians, etc who would beg to differ. They have always told me it's based on practice, practice, practice and when their done, more practice and a love for what they do. When you see baseball or any other path as your only vehicle out of poverty, you will take it. You can be naturally skilled to anything but without practicing your craft, fuggetaboutit.
Good article. They give credit to where credit is due. Genetics! At that level you can train all you want but without the blessings of mother nature you are spinning your wheels. All professional athletes are freaks of nature. The mental component is good but it won't come close to good genes
i agree with you to a point, cbmitch, but then genetics take over. no amount of training will make an average sprinter into Usain Bolt, nor an average swimmer into Phelps.
many years ago, West Indian cricketers were among the best in the world as far as batting the ball was concerned. a medical professional observed that they possessed that ability because of the way their wrists were made up.
Another reason is that Baseball is just not that important in the U.S. anymore as it has fallen to number 3 behind basketball (2) and the undisputed king of all sports in the U.S. - American Football (not that bloody soccer). Baseball is just too slow and boring for a lot of Americans and thus is not as popular. However, in the DR it is by far and away the number 1 sport and the dream of every male, so there is no competition for the male DR athlete to go into any other sport. No dilution of talent, all superstars go to baseball instead of basketball and football like in the U.S. Great opportunity for DR baseball players and I'm very happy for them.
....and the hardest training I did was in boxing.....harder than military special training......
Another reason is that Baseball is just not that important in the U.S. anymore as it has fallen to number 3 behind basketball (2) and the undisputed king of all sports in the U.S. - American Football (not that bloody soccer). Baseball is just too slow and boring for a lot of Americans and thus is not as popular. However, in the DR it is by far and away the number 1 sport and the dream of every male, so there is no competition for the male DR athlete to go into any other sport. No dilution of talent, all superstars go to baseball instead of basketball and football like in the U.S. Great opportunity for DR baseball players and I'm very happy for them.
One US Army veteran I asked about basic training. He replied, "It was easy. I was a hockey player."
...yes Dominicans do well in MLB, the twins have about 6.....but with Americans that can play pro sports, the USA has about 6 that some athletes can chose from...this leaves room for non americans to play, but the problem with pro baseball is it is a diminishing sport in the USA...less people watch it on tv every year, and most of the money for players contracts comes from the Contracts television pays MLB...Many Dominican young men have asked me about this, mostly at the GYM ...I always tell them the same, American football is now the most popular, then basketball even Hockey is gaining(cant see that in the DR)...Soooo if I was a young Dominican man that was gifted and could be a pro athlete, American football is were I would try to play...I am not sure Dominicans would be a good fit in the NFL...I played football thru my first year in university, the abuse on your body, even at that level was severe........Doc...........