Almost everyone faces adversity in some form. Baseball fans can be inspired by players who overcome injuries. Many of the best players have had the greatest physical challenges.
A longtime Minnesota Twins player who fits this profile is Joe Mauer, an All-Star catcher. His career spanned the 2004-2018 seasons. He was voted MVP of the American League in 2009. Mauer then overcame considerable adversity later in his career.
Challenging Times
His most challenging times started in 2011, the season in which Mauer turned 28 years old.
A series of ailments, starting with offseason knee surgery and culminating in a bout of pneumonia at season’s end, limited him to 82 games played.
Then, after missing almost 50 games in 2013 following a concussion sustained from a foul ball to the mask, he changed positions to play first base.
He met this challenge with the same class and dignity that characterized the rest of his career.
Several observers thought he deserved a Gold Glove as a first baseman to go with the three such awards he won as a catcher.
For a player who battled injury regularly, Mauer answered the bell at a rate that many players would aspire to match.
In the 14 seasons from 2005 through 2018, there were only three in which Joe Mauer played in less than 120 games.
After setting the Twins record for most games played as a catcher he then played almost 700 more games at first base!
For those who are still a little uneasy about going back into a crowded stadium, this free checklist will help remind you of what to take along!
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The Recovery Process
When players are injured, they undergo an established recovery process of treatment and strengthening. This gets them back on the field at full strength as fast as possible while minimizing the likelihood that their injury will recur.
For the best results, they need to enter the healing process wholeheartedly and not just go through the motions.
As baseball fans, there are a number of things that can take us “off the field” of life. In the past 18 months, some have battled COVID, and others have been slowed down by the protocols for avoiding the illness. Others have suffered emotional or economic affliction.
If you have been sick, what is the process that you use to recover? Are you embracing this process wholeheartedly? If your heart is heavy after the end of a relationship or a failed business venture, are you making progress to grieve and heal what feels broken inside?
Stick with Your Purpose
Just as a rough year or a season lost to injury doesn’t sink a major league career, it need not keep you from sticking with your purpose. Reading about the struggles that Joe Mauer had during his rookie season in 2004, or his other injury-shortened season in 2011 can help inspire perseverance.
Realize that even the most talented, decent people who experience adversity will have people questioning their ability, or even their character. By learning from the great players, you too can overcome adversity like an All-Star!
For those who are still a little uneasy about going back into a crowded stadium, this free checklist will help remind you of what to take along!