Your Least Favorite Subject... For Now

A few weeks ago, I was signing a book for a student at a school in Garfield, New Jersey. After I wrote his name inside the cover, I asked him, “What’s your favorite subject?”

“Gym,” he said.

I laughed. “That was mine too for a lot of years.”

Then I asked, “What’s your least favorite?”

“Reading.”

I smiled. “Me too. But I ended up writing books.”

His eyes widened - and that’s exactly why I love visiting schools.

Growing up, math was tough for me. But reading had its own story. In first grade, my parents had to meet with my teacher because it seemed like I was struggling with reading comprehension.

The truth? I understood the words.

I just didn’t care.

I was bored. The books didn’t connect with me. I didn’t see purpose in them, so I didn’t give them effort.

Fast forward to my early 20s: I’ve now published seven books and spend much of my time visiting schools, reading to students and encouraging them to grow in leadership, kindness, and perseverance. The kid who didn’t like reading now writes and shares stories for a living.

What changed?

I found purpose.

When I began working in professional baseball, I fell in love with stories - players chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, proving doubters wrong. Reading and writing stopped feeling like assignments and started feeling like tools to inspire others.

Here’s what I’ve learned: everyone develops at different rates.

Just because you struggle with something now doesn’t mean you always will. Just because you don’t enjoy something yet doesn’t mean you won’t one day build a life around it.

Growth takes time. Interests change. Skills develop.

And sometimes, the thing you once avoided becomes the very platform you use to make a 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. 🙌