The Milwaukee Brewers lead the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in the 2026 World Series. The Brewers took the opening game with a 5-1 victory Friday night—Game 2 is tonight, Saturday, October 24, in Milwaukee.
I wrote a post back in 2024 on the legendary baseballer Willie Mays. Born May 6, 1931, he would have turned 95 this past May.
Mays entered the Major Leagues just four years after Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier, quickly becoming the definitive face of the sport’s modern, integrated era. Mays was the archetypal "five-tool player" who could run, catch, throw, hit and hit for power.
When it comes to adversity, we often think of overcoming rather than dealing. To me, overcoming results from a societal preoccupation with winning. It’s so destructive.
There’s little doubt that Willie Mays dealt with adversity his whole life. In his case, dealing was much more empowering than overcoming.
True success is rare, and its worth stems from the barriers that prevent everyone from achieving it. If it weren't rare, it wouldn't be as precious.
Willie Mays displayed genuine brilliance, and the beauty of others like him lies in how you forget about them unapologetically until they are no longer around.
In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, cementing his status as an American cultural treasure whose impact stretched far beyond the diamond.
Said his first major league manager, Leo Durocher, "If he could cook, I'd marry him."
I love baseball. Why? Because it remains a quintessential summer game.
Nick
If you have some time this weekend, this interview with Reggie Jackson will give you an insight into the adversity encountered by negro ball players.
