Ancient Greek Mythology taught many lessons that continue to be applied everyday in our world. One of the most applicable stories that I have always related to baseball is the ancient story of Sisyphus. Despite the funny name, this story is not a funny one, but a true baseball analogy.
Sisyphus was a king in Greece in what is now a place called Corinth. He was punished for his chronic deceitfulness. Basically, he always did wrong.
The ancient gods punished him and forced him to push a huge boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down the hill and to repeat this action forever.
Every day, Sisyphus would wake and push this boulder and after a hard day’s work of pushing this boulder up the hill, invariably the boulder would roll back down the hill. It didn’t matter if he did a great job today, he would still start at the bottom tomorrow.
How does this relate to baseball?
First off – you are not being punished. The ancient Greek gods are not punishing you by making you play baseball.
Every day in baseball is new challenge, yet it is the same challenge; to push the boulder up the hill and try and get a win.
Yesterday has no effect on today. You might have had the best day yesterday, but it will not help you today. Great effort given yesterday does not excuse lazy play today. Attention to detail yesterday does not excuse lack of attention today. Going 3 for 4 yesterday does not mean you will get hit in your first at bat today. Being great yesterday does not mean you are better than another today.
In baseball and in many facets of life, you are forced to push the rock up the hill every day. No matter how well you do it, you will have to push the rock up the hill again tomorrow. Baseball is a grind. But it is a grind that I love. Thank You Sisyphus for teaching us a great lesson.
Until Next Time,
Chad