Passion Prevails: Baseball’s Top Performers Advise Youth Players on Maximizing their Experience is a collaborative project that consists of stories and lessons learned by some of the most successful individuals in professional baseball. This includes the first hand experiences of MLB & MiLB players and coaches. This book is designed to assist youth, high school, and college players as they navigate baseball’s challenges. This includes: where passion for the game comes from, facing adversity, dealing with failure, self-doubt, how to stay inspired, implications of proper and improper coaching, what the parent’s role should be, mental preparation and routine, when winning should be focused on, how to separate baseball and life, as well as, the proper attitude, mindset, and perspective necessary to reach one’s highest potential. This book is designed to inspire and inform young baseball players as they are guided into an exciting career and life as part of the baseball community.
Billy the Batboy is a passionate young baseball player who loves the game more than anything — even though success doesn’t always come easy. As a batboy for his local minor league team, Billy learns valuable lessons from professional players who encourage him to keep believing in himself.
Ace Armstrong is a professional baseball player known for his leadership, positivity, and heart for mentoring young athletes. Despite his success, Ace hasn’t forgotten the challenges he faced growing up — from striking out to being doubted by others. Those experiences shaped him into the player and person he is today.
Skip is the wise and encouraging manager of the local minor league team where Billy serves as the batboy. A former professional player himself, Skip has spent years teaching others how to play the game the right way — with heart, focus, and perspective. He believes that effort and attitude matter more than the final score.
Selena the Shortstop is one of Billy’s closest friends and one of the hardest-working players in town. Her love for baseball drives her to practice every day and give her all for her team. Even when things don’t go her way on the field, Selena’s determination and competitive spirit never fade.
Reggie Rizz is a hardworking professional baseball player known for his discipline, determination, and quiet leadership. Growing up, Reggie wasn’t always the most talented player, but he outworked everyone around him. His dedication to doing the “little things,” such showing up early, giving full effort, and respecting everyone, helped him earn the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
Danny Dash is one of the fastest players in professional baseball — but his speed isn’t just natural talent. Danny works hard to take care of his body, training daily and eating healthy foods that give him energy and strength. He knows that being a great athlete means more than just practicing your swing — it’s about making smart choices off the field too.
Slo-Mo JoJo is one of Billy’s teammates and a fun-loving kid who always brings his personality to the field — but sometimes, his eating habits slow him down! He loves snacks and sweets, but soon realizes that what he eats can affect how he plays.
Jake is one of Billy’s close friends from town who has a learning disability and a huge love for baseball. Even though loud stadiums can sometimes feel overwhelming for him, Jake’s excitement for the game never fades. His enthusiasm, curiosity, and kind spirit make him a joy to be around — and his friendship with Billy shows how baseball can bring people of all backgrounds and abilities together.