Beautiful qualities and remarkable achievements!

A book which brought tears to my eyes and admiration from my heart stole a few hours from my sleep two nights ago. The title of the book is ‘The Greatest Sports Stories Never Told’ by Bruce Nash and Allan Zullo, compiled by Bernie Ward. It is a book loaded with fantastic stories taken from newspaper reports.

A few of the stories were really inspiring. In ‘The old man in the net’ I read about the Rangers’ only ice-hockey goalie being injured and a replacement was needed in ten minutes failing which they would have to forfeit the game. A goalie from another team was willing to be the replacement but that was opposed by the opposing team’s coach. With time rushing the team to its forfeiture, the 45 year-old Rangers’ coach had to agree to be the replacement, although he had not skated in a game for three years. Despite the taunts concerning his age from the opposing team, his unbelievably spectacular efforts inspired his team to win the game even as he fought to stave off exhaustion. This old coach was indeed awesome! In whatever field of life, you could also rise to the occasion when the need arises. This is not the first time such wonderful capabilities have surfaced in times of need.

In 1952, another hockey veteran, Bill Mosienko, beat a young goalie who had taunted him as an ‘old man’. With his experience, he could read the rookie’s moves and to prove himself right, he scored three times in 21 seconds, breaking the previous record of 1 minute and 4 seconds set in 1938. Experience has won the game. He won the respect of the rookie who grudgingly saluted the veteran.

‘Pa’s promise’ was how an 80 year-old grandpa gave every minute of his life to encourage and support his grandson’s dream of becoming a pro bowler. His support was not just moral but also financial. Wherever his grandson’s tournament took him, his grandpa was sure to follow. The grandpa even improved his knowledge of the game in order to discuss the games with his grandson, pointing out mistakes in the grandson’s moves and polishing his bowling skills. Love got this old man to sacrifice and give ten or more years of his life to his grandson. That is the beauty of love!

The dream of playing for hockey’s greatest prize, The Stanley Cup in 1905 took an amateur team from Canada’s Yukon territory to Ottawa. The Klondikers’ determination to fulfill its dream could only be possible through financial backing from a gold miner who recently struck it rich. That was not all! The team had to travel by dogsled, suffering from blisters, frostbites and exhaustion, for 350 miles to Skagway which took five days. Five days later, the team took a ship to Seattle. The journey left the players seasick and weak. Next, they rode the stagecoach 200 miles to Vancouver where they boarded a train for the 2,850 miles cross-country trip to their destination. The long, weary trip had taken its toll on the team. Although they were defeated, they showed the world what they were willing to endure to have a go at their dream. Despite their defeat, I admire their determination and courage to experience their dream. How many of us can match such great effort, such great determination?

James Connolly from Boston made it to Athens to take part and become a champion in the first modern Olympics despite a number of hardships. He had to quit Harvard University when study leave was disallowed. In Naples, Italy, while wandering around the city, he was pick-pocketed. Fortunately, someone gave him room and board. Just like the Klondikers, the journey to Greece left him tired and weak. Despite what he had gone through, he became the Olympic champion for the hop, step and jump. Despite the obstacles, he made it!

There is this story of a nearly blind basketball player whose ‘sensational shooting inspired millions of young people to overcome hardships and disabilities in order to reach their goals.’ This awesome basketball player, George Glamack, practiced long hours to perfect a shot with his back to the basket. His miraculous ability to shoot with such accuracy must have taken so much practice, determination and courage. It is a story every youngster who feels inferior ought to read. How can anyone be in a worse position than ‘The blind bomber’?

How much would any human sacrifice for his fellow men? In ‘What price victory’, I read of the great Lawrence Lemieux who was on the verge of overtaking the lead when he, without hesitation, put aside his dream of winning an Olympic boat race, to rescue two drowning sailors from strong waves. It was a save that cost him an Olympic gold medal. He had lost a gold medal but he had shown he was more than just an excellent sailor. He had shown invaluable love for his fellow men!

Another great lady professional golfer, Mary Bea Porter, lost the opportunity to qualify for the Standard Register Turquoise Classic in Phoenix, Arizona in 1988, when she climbed over the fence separating the golf course from a pool to save a child who had just been pulled out of the water by his father who did know how to revive the unconscious boy. She saved the boy. In the process of trying to control her emotions so that she could act quickly and calmly in order to help the child, she was mentally and emotionally drained by the time she got back to the golf course. The experience had shaken her up and she was unable to concentrate on the game well. Thus, she missed the qualifying mark by three strokes. She has shown the qualities of a saint in her love for the life of another. Is there any love greater than this?

Impossible but true! In ‘The girl who managed the Dodgers’, Jill Baer was the lady manager of a major-league baseball team for a day in 1978. It happened at a time where women were not expected to manage men in a men’s game. It was a dream that only determination and knowledge could have lead to such a possibility. Even though she managed it for just a day, she studied and knew the strengths and weaknesses of every player. With that knowledge she switched the line-up and improved the team. You do not believe it? Well, go and get the book.

Sheer willpower won the boxing match for Joe Jeanette. Although he was knocked down 27 times, he refused to give up. Although he suffered pain and exhaustion, he fought on with courage and determination against Sam McVey in 1909 in Paris. Eventually, as Sam became weaker, Joe became stronger and he knocked Sam down 19 times. Finally, Sam keeled over from exhaustion through fighting an opponent who refused to quit! They had fought for three and a half hours! Such was their determination not to quit!

And fear of horses could not prevent someone from becoming a jockey. Not just any jockey, Chris McCarron rode a record 546 winning rides in a single year by 1975. And this was the achievement despite being nearly thrown off a huge thoroughbred the first time. It took him a few weeks to regain his confidence to climb onto another horse. He struggled with his fears and won! Those who have fears can learn something from this man.

In fact, there is a lot we can learn from the incredible athletes in this well written book. ‘The Greatest Sports Stories Never Told’ certainly deserves your time and attention. Read about the greatness of these remarkable men and women. Encourage your children to read the book. Be a little like them and life would be so much more beautiful!