Two Years Later: What "Passion Prevails" Taught Me

TWO YEARS AGO: I published my very first book, Passion Prevails — a project that began with a simple curiosity and evolved into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

The book is a compilation of hundreds of interviews I conducted with professional athletes, starting all the way back in 2015 when I was just thirteen years old. My goal? To inspire young athletes by sharing honest, real conversations with some of the best baseball players in the world — not just about their careers, but about the mindset it takes to keep going when things get tough.

Here are 3 of the biggest lessons I learned through this journey:

1. Ask Questions (Be Curious)

I never set out to write a book. What I did set out to do was ask questions. Lots of them. I was a kid with a mic and a camera, eager to learn and deeply curious about what made these athletes tick. Over time, those conversations added up. Curiosity became my superpower. Whether I was in a dugout, on a Zoom call, or behind the scenes at an event, I listened — and learned. That curiosity turned into content. That content turned into Passion Prevails. All because I started by asking.

Lesson: Curiosity can take you places talent alone can’t. Keep asking.

2. You’re Not Alone

It was eye-opening to realize that even the most iconic athletes — guys you’ve watched hit walk-off homers or play in the World Series — struggle with the same things we all do: fear of failure, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, pressure to perform. These weren’t just stories of victory. They were stories of vulnerability. Over and over again, I heard athletes talk about moments where they almost quit, questioned their worth, or felt stuck.

Lesson: You’re not the only one who feels unsure. What matters is how you respond when those moments hit.

3. Go For It

Big dreams require bold action. This book didn’t come together overnight. There were months where it felt like I was stuck in quicksand — transcribing interviews, organizing stories, editing drafts. But I kept showing up. And slowly, it all came together. If you’re sitting on an idea that feels too big or too far away, go for it anyway. You’ll be surprised by how much you can build one day at a time.

Lesson: You don’t need to have it all figured out to get started. You just need to start.

It’s wild to think that what started with a few questions has now inspired many young athletes.

So if you’re chasing something big, here’s my simple advice:

Be curious. Be consistent. And just keep going.

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. 🙌