On the biggest Stages, at the highest Stakes

They are able to summon something extra and by shear will, produce wonders.

You remember the images, you certainly haven’t forgotten the names. Jordan, Montana and Rice, Reggie and the Yankees, Tiger, Jack, Borg, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and of course Secretariat. Others may have had as much talent, better bat speed, forty time or some of something else. But the desire, the will to win, is what separated them from the rest. People don’t get the nickname Mr. October by being afraid to take hold of the bat, by not demanding, “I Want The Ball.”

At some point Smarty Jones is going to be tested and one has to wonder if the rigors of the Triple Crown haven’t taken a brutal toll. No one hands you a World Championship Trophy, a Championship Ring, Champions have to earn them. As others have pointed out the modest work turned in by Smarty Jones the other day may or may not be an indicator that the grueling campaign has emptied the tank. Those others mentioned above were never fearful to dig down deep and summon up a little something extra knowing the hopes and dreams of a Team, an entire Town and in some cases nearly a whole Country were RESTING ON THEIR BACKS.

To properly earn his spot in history, to step onto the pedestal of the greatest of all Champions, Smarty Jones will probably have to meet all challengers and defeat them one by one. The difference between Winning and Losing probably will not come down to Speed Figures or Pattern Reads, but that most immeasurable of intangibles that separates The Great Ones from the Rest.

The Great Ones Elevate Their Performance……….

On the biggest Stages, at the highest Stakes………..