“It’s hard to beat the person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

You seriously can’t beat someone who never gives up.

It’s that whole “never” thing.

If “never” happens, they “never” record a loss.

Babe Ruth learned a lot about losing things early in life as he faced poverty, being an orphan, and loneliness. In his adulthood, he was successful because he refused to give into the expectations of others. He sought only to follow his own dreams. Of course, he had weaknesses and made mistakes, but Babe Ruth has never been known as someone who caved easily. And that is why his legacy has never dimmed in the realm of baseball.

What about you?

Can you say you are undefeated?

Can you say that you have stuck to your guns?

Can you say that there is any one aspect where you stuck to your “never”?

Babe Ruth has held many baseball records, including the still-standing record for extra base hits. Getting his name in the record books did not come without a few strike outs. In Ruth’s case, he recorded 1330 strike outs during his career.

1330 strike outs would make most people hang their heads in shame, but not Babe Ruth. He was not afraid to strike out. In fact, Ruth was quoted as having said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next homerun.” He knew that if he kept swinging he would be successful.

“It’s hard to beat the person who never gives up.” – Babe Ruth

The Great Bambino did’t earn those records by giving up. Those records are there because Babe Ruth never let doubt keep him from hitting hard and having confidence in his ability to be successful.

Keep dedicating your energy and focus toward hitting through those slumps and strike outs. You will eventually find a pitch or purpose that helps your goals reach home. Don’t quit on yourself or your dreams.

No one can defeat the person who keeps swinging. No one takes away victory from the guys who never stops hustling. No one can beat the guys who continue to break their own records. You just can’t beat those guys.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Babe Ruth is also known for having said, “All ballplayers should quit when it starts to feel as if all the baselines run uphill.” I think that has more to do with a change in focus than in the choice to quit.