The history of sports is filled with a surplus of quotes. These can be both entertaining and inspirational alike. Yogi Berra became a pop culture icon for his famous sports quotes. He said all sorts of things ranging from, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” and “I can’t hit and think at the same time.”
Yogi was known for a lot of fun quotes although there are still those that inspire others to perform at their very best. For example, Babe Ruth is known for saying, “It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.” Here are some more inspirational quotes:
“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.” -Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is one of the greatest athletes of all time, playing in MLB and NFL during his career. This quote epitomizes Jackson and reiterates what drive necessary to be a two-sport star just as he was.
In 1989, Jackson became the first player to hit a home run and steal a base during a MLB All-Star game. He appeared in both a MLB All-Star game and a NFL Pro Bowl, the only athlete to ever do that. This symbolizes that he lived this quote in his everyday life.
“Good is not good when better is expected.” -Vin Scully
Vin Scully saw it all during his 68-year broadcasting career. He called perfect games and no-hitters, World Series games, and so much more. Therefore, he knows a thing or two about situations that constitute being good or better.
Scully called games started by Sandy Koufax and Clayton Kershaw and others by Duke Snider and Steve Garvey. In experiencing all of this throughout his career, Scully knows exactly what he is talking about in this quote.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” -Jackie Robinson
With this quote, Jackie Robinson illustrates that there is more to the life of a human being than meets the eye. This statement epitomizes Robinson, given all that he did, not just for baseball, but for society.
By breaking the color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, Robinson did more than just end segregation on the baseball field. His actions also helped lead to the eradication of segregation in America. After Robinson retired from baseball, he continued doing work to support and advocate for the rights of African Americans.
“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” -Derek Jeter
No MLB player in the last 30 years epitomizes winning more than Derek Jeter. The shortstop won five World Series titles, playing in the series seven times. For Jeter, winning was a by-product of hard work by both himself and his team.
This mentality was always on display during games. Jeter made numerous plays throughout his career that were made purely out of hustle and working hard to make the play. This quote symbolizes the mentality that Jeter had every time he took the field.
There are countless sports quotes that motivate athletes across the world, and these four are a small few of that surplus.
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