This one is about old fashioned hard work and determination.

I watched a kid who took after his mother in stature -- shorter and leaner than the rest of his baseball team mates, year after year. And he had to earn his starting position every single year from little league, Select ball, and through high school. He even ended up being a high school baseball star, all league and all that.

This little guy even got recruited to play college ball and he was one of only two freshmen to make the roster this past season and not be red-shirted. He also got a good mount of play time.

When I see him on the ball field nowadays I smile wide as his team mates and opponents tower over him. He overcame the odds and found success. All because of old fashioned hard work and determination. He simply will not take no for an answer.

As you might've guessed, he is my son. And I am one proud dad.