The swagger of an underdog

Now, I was going to write my next post about how much croc's irk me, but a grand thing happened yesterday that sparked my interest. Yesterday, Daniel Nava hit the very first pitch he saw in his very first at bat at Fenway Park as a grand slam. This feat is incredible within itself, but what makes this story that much heartwarming is Nava's journey and the adversity that he encountered along the way.

Entering high school, Nava weighed 78 pounds and was a measly 4'8. He batted ninth in his high school lineup, and only hit his first homerun as a senior. With a passion for the game he was granted a tryout for the Santa Clara team. Lacking both size and skill, he could barely hit the ball out of the infield. Although he did not make the team, he stayed on as the team's manager. For two years he did the team's laundry. Over this time he finally hit his growth spurt. He became bigger and stronger. Unfortunately, due to his families financial constraints, he had to leave Santa Clara and enroll in Junior College. In two seasons at Junior College he hit .400 and when he returned to Santa Clara he did so on a scholarship for the baseball team. He then led the West Coast Conference in batting average and OBP without making a single error in the field. Yet even putting up the numbers, he went undrafted.

Not deterred, he tried out for an Independent league team. He was initially cut from the team but a break came when a player on the team got married, creating an open spot for Nava. Here, he played well, possessing the makeup of a quality baseball player. In the fall of 2007, the Boston Red Sox purchased Nava once the Independent League season had ended. Being 24, Nava was too old to be considered a prospect by most teams standards. However, the Red Sox, who stress the importance of scouting, saw a kid who had overcame the odds and could play the game.

Once in the Red Sox farm system, he did not disappoint, quickly moving up the ranks from Single A Lancaster; to splitting last season between Single A Salem and Double AA Portland. This year he started the year in Triple AAA as a member of the Pawtucket Red Sox. There he continued to hit the ball well, batting .284 with 8 hr's. Thus his journey and adversity culminated to June 12, 2010 where he made his Major League debut with a slam.

Now, I am not about to go out and say he will be the next Ted Williams, or even the next Dustin Pedoria. Rather the point of his story is that this why we love the underdog. They are the ultimate protagonists, they are the ones who struggle so much, yet refuse to be denied of their dreams. When you hear a Cinderella story, especially in sports, it reminds you why you love to watch the game, because on any given day anyone can be the hero and rise to the top. Moreover, when the underdog succeeds it touches most people who may view themselves, their live as an underdog in most respects.

Whether it was when I was playing hockey or now in the workforce I maintain the underdog mentality. I may not be the flashiest or attractive candidate but the underdog brings intangible skills and an attitude that no one can ignore. The attitude or swagger that the underdog brings is what really sets them apart from the pack. They are not going to be told no, they are going to do everything with all their heart and they will make themselves known.

Even if I am not considered an underdog I like to still see myself as one, because that it is how you test yourself and stay motivated and most importantly, stay hungry.