If all of us who love baseball and are doing our jobs, then those who get the game from us will be as proud to be a part of it as we were. And we are. This game is a gift, and I am humbled, very humbled, to accept its greatest honor.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the pride and honor of being part of baseball and the dedication of those who contribute to the game.
Joe Torre reflects on the love and dedication that those involved in baseball have for the game. He emphasizes that when individuals genuinely care for their roles, it enriches the experience for everyone involved, fostering a sense of pride for fans and players alike. Torre humbly acknowledges the honor he feels in being part of such a cherished sport.
In practice
In a speech at a sports awards ceremony, one might share this quote to inspire young athletes.
We can learn from past failures and mistakes, but we shouldn't get stuck there. We can keep future goals in mind, but we shouldn't get stuck there, either. The only way to reach our potential is to focus on what we must do now - this moment, this day - to perform effectively and win.
I hated the Yankees and Dodgers and wound up managing both.
It's nice to have writers write nice things about you and guys on radio and TV say nice things about you, but the guy who's in the locker next to you is the one you play the game for.
I have observed that baseball is not unlike war, and when you get right down to it, we batters are the heavy artillery.
It doesn't matter which era you play in. Wickets are the only way you can contain. Restricting the batsmen to six runs in the first over may look okay but in the next over they will hammer the other bowler. Giving ten runs and taking a wicket - I'll take that any day.
My generation put in a lot more hours playing football after school than kids today. These days, all the football these kids play, they play at their clubs, so the clubs need to work seriously on the basic skills.
There's a pride in representing your country on a stage like the sport of wrestling, which I've done since I was five years old. There's nothing that can deter me other than my own decision to leave the sport.
When we reach the point where the women athletes are getting their pick of dates just as easily as the men athletes, then we've really and truly arrived. Parity at last!
To me it was never about what I accomplished on the football field, it was about the way I played the game.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.