I believe in the little things. In baseball, for instance, it is said that whichever team best executes the little things has the greatest chance of winning. Every team has players that can hit a homerun, pitch a shutout, or make a diving catch. The difference between the winning teams and the losing teams are determined by which team can lay down a sacrifice bunt in a key situation, or hustle to beat out a slow groundball in the infield. As a lifelong Orioles fan, what angers me most about their eleven straight losing seasons is knowing that they have had talented teams, yet they have come to accept and be content with losing. They do not make that extra effort to put the bunt down, or beat out the throw to first base. And until this happens, they will continue to be in the cellar of the American League.
In the baseball game of life, I would choose compliments over gifts, love over lust, socializing over partying. I would rather give than receive, though I am still more than happy to accept gifts. I would rather hug my mom simply because she’s a great mom than because she got me a new playstation game. I would rather spend a day with family or friends than by myself, using some type of knick knack given to me by someone I have not seen since middle school. My life is about the little things.
One of the most meaningful moments in recent memory came on move-in day at Towson University. After I had finished unpacking and setting up the room, and right before my parents left, my dad gave me a hug and told me how proud he was of me. I would not trade that moment for anything. There was no money, gifts, or other material possessions involved, yet I had to fight back tears as I embraced my proud father. I still fight back tears recalling this moment, and nothing anyone has given or will ever give me could mean more than this small gesture.
In the baseball game of life, I am happier with a sacrifice bunt, such as a hug or a card, than I am with a homerun such as a new cell phone. Every team in baseball has players that can hit a homerun, and just about everyone in this generation has a cell phone, digital camera, and some form of video game system. However, not every team is able to lay down that key bunt, and not everybody comes to appreciate the little things as much as the expensive possessions. I am proud to say that I believe in the little things.