Don’t Let Others Write Your Story

When I visit schools, I’m always thinking about stories that stick - the kind students remember when they’re facing a tough moment. One story that recently came back to me was a conversation I had a decade ago with former New York Yankee Ben Heller. I interviewed him in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre while he was grinding through the minor leagues, chasing his dream of reaching the big leagues.

During our conversation, he shared something powerful. Growing up, he had coaches and teachers tell him he wasn’t very good — that he’d never make it to the Major Leagues.

“I would just say don’t ever give up or let anybody tell you what you can or can’t do,” Heller told me. “You kind of have to persevere through adversity and keep working hard if it’s something you want.”

Think about that. A Major League pitcher was once told he wasn’t good enough during his younger days on the mound.

That’s a message students understand. Many of them have felt doubt - maybe from others, maybe even from themselves. But what separates people who reach their goals isn’t that they avoid criticism. It’s that they don’t let it define them.

Heller kept working. He kept believing. He drowned out the noise.

Eventually, that perseverance led him to make his Major League debut at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox - one of the most historic stages in baseball. From being told he’d never make it… to pitching at Fenway. That’s what resilience looks like.

When I share this story with students, I want them to think about their own dream - their own “Big League” moment. There will always be outside noise. There will always be setbacks. The question is whether you’ll let them stop you.

Ben Heller’s advice is simple: don’t give up. Keep working.

Sometimes, that decision makes all the difference.

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. 🙌