A Lesson from the Pentagon: Putting Others First

This week, I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. with my family. On our way down from New Jersey, our first stop was the Pentagon—headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. We took a guided tour of the building, and it was nothing short of eye-opening. The history, architecture, and scale of operations were impressive, but what stood out most was the people—dedicated service members in uniform going about their daily routines with purpose and professionalism.

As we walked the corridors, we learned about the Pentagon’s unique five-sided structure, its rebuilding after 9/11, and the roles it plays in national security. It wasn’t just a tour of a building—it was a reminder of the sacrifices and coordination that go into keeping our country safe.

But the moment that left the deepest impression came at the very end of the tour.

As we exited the building, we held the door open—and just as we were about to step through, a gentleman approached from the other side. He had both legs amputated and walked steadily on prosthetics, accompanied by a service dog. From his demeanor and presence, it was clear he was a veteran—possibly even someone who worked at the Pentagon.

Naturally, we stepped aside and offered for him to come through first, but he declined. With a quiet confidence, he insisted that we go ahead as he held the door open for us.

That moment struck me.

Here was a man who had clearly sacrificed a great deal in service to others—and yet, he was still choosing to serve in the smallest of ways. He put us first, literally holding the door open, despite what he had endured. It was a powerful gesture and a testament to the mentality of so many who serve in the military. They live with a mindset of putting others before themselves—not for recognition, but because it’s simply who they are.

And it got me thinking: what if we all lived more like that?

Especially in sports—and in life—we often get caught up in personal goals, stats, and recognition. It's easy to slip into a “me-first” mindset, whether you're an athlete trying to make a name for yourself, a teammate fighting for playing time, or just someone trying to succeed in a competitive world.

But what if we flipped that?

What if, instead of chasing our own spotlight, we focused on how we could help others shine? What if we passed the ball more, encouraged a teammate who’s struggling, or stayed late to help someone else improve?

That veteran at the Pentagon reminded me that strength isn’t just about physical ability or personal achievement. Sometimes, the greatest strength is found in humility. In generosity. In putting others first—even when no one’s watching.

So whether you're on the field, in the gym, or just going through life—be the kind of teammate, friend, or leader who holds the door open. You never know the impact a small act of service can make.

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌