Baseball for me was instinctive, born within me, given to me as a gift from God.
Interpretation
Baseball is an inherent talent and a divine gift for the speaker.
Willie Stargell expresses a deep connection to baseball, suggesting that his passion and skill in the sport come naturally and are a part of his identity. He implies that this talent was not just developed through practice but is something that he was born with and considers a blessing from a higher power.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a sports awards ceremony to emphasize the importance of natural talent in athletics.
I'm always amazed when a pitcher becomes angry at a hitter for hitting a home run off him. When I strike out, I don't get angry at the pitcher, I get angry at myself. I would think that if a pitcher threw up a home run ball, he should be angry at himself.
Trying to hit Sandy Koufax was like trying to drink coffee with a fork.
People like us are afraid to leave ball. What else is there to do? When baseball has been your whole life, you can't think about a future without it, so you hang on as long as you can.
Pittsburgh isn't fancy, but it is real. It's a working town and money doesn't come easy. I feel as much a part of this city as the cobblestone streets and the steel mills, people in this town expect an honest day's work, and I've it to them for a long, long time.
I made a ridiculous statement when I first went to North Carolina State. I said I know basketball down there was like life or death. It was very wrong. It's more important.
The most important part are the fans, that people going home are happy. It's their time off, and you should give them something to enjoy.
On the field, everyone is equal.
The WNBA changed the equation for a young female broadcaster who wanted nothing more than to remain close to the game, and call basketball games.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen β the most complete β is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesnβt give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead, 'A pretty move, for the love of God.' And when good football happens, I give thanks for the miracle, and I don't give a damn which team or country performs it.
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