"And my father didn't have money for me to go to college. And at that particular time they didn't have black quarterbacks, and I don't think I could have made it in basketball, because I was only 5β² 11". So I just picked baseball."
Willie MaysRead
I think I was the best baseball player I ever saw.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects self-confidence and the belief in one's abilities.
In this quote, Willie Mays expresses a deep sense of self-assurance about his skills as a baseball player. It signifies that true greatness often comes from within, and that one must first believe in their own potential to achieve success. Mays's confidence may inspire others to recognize their own strengths and achievements, as well.
Themes
Self-ConfidenceGreatnessBaseballAchievementSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to young athletes, to empower them to believe in their own abilities.
More from Willie Mays
All quotes βI remember the last season I played. I went home after a ballgame one day, lay down on my bed, and tears came to my eyes. How can you explain that? It's like crying for your mother after she's gone. You cry because you love her. I cried, I guess, because I loved baseball, and I knew I had to leave it.
Willie MaysRead
Robinson was important to all blacks. To make it into the majors and to take all the name calling, he had to be something special. He had to take all this for years, not just for Jackie Robinson, but for the nation.
Willie MaysRead
I was very fortunate to play sports. All the anger in me went out. I had to do what I had to do. If you stay angry all the time, then you really don't have a good life.
Willie MaysRead
In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without one-hundred percent dedication, you won't be able to do this.
Willie MaysRead
Defense to me is the key to playing baseball.
Willie MaysRead
Similar quotes
Famous men have the whole earth as their memorial.
PericlesRead
First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you're very lucky and have said your prayers.
George BalanchineRead
There isn't a woman player in the world I can't give knights-odds to and still beat.
Bobby FischerRead
When I was playing before I retired, I never really understood the appreciation and the respect that people gave me. People had treated me like a god or something, and that was very embarrassing.
Michael JordanRead
When I came into the music, I was forced to be a CEO. I was forced to be an entrepreneur; I was forced to... because I was looking for a deal. I didn't have this grand scheme of starting a record company and then morphing into a clothing empire.
Jay-ZRead
Fortune is ever seen accompanying industry.
Oliver GoldsmithRead