MLB recently gave end-of-the-season awards to the players who won them.
MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year..you name them, and they were delivered in recent days to the winners.
Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez shocked the world with his talent in 2022 and took home American League Rookie of the Year honors over Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman.
He hit 28 home runs, stole 25 bases, posted a .853 OPS, and a 146 wRC+ and dominated in every facet of the game.
He was more than just numbers, though: he brought hope back into Mariners’ fans lives.
He led the impressive and valiant effort of helping Seattle make the postseason for the first time since 2001.
And he also put on a show in the Home Run Derby and the All-Star week, bringing fans in front of the TV and putting people in the seats.
Upon receiving the award, J-Rod sent a powerful message to people of all ages, but especially for the young.
“An unforgettable night in NY!! Thank you to all my people. Don’t let anybody set your limits!!” he tweeted.
An unforgettable night in NY!! Thank you to all my people ❤️🇩🇴 Don’t let anybody set your limits!! pic.twitter.com/Ii5FfvD3Di
— Julio Rodriguez🇩🇴🦁 (@JRODshow44) January 30, 2023
Don’t let anybody set your limits.
That goes for professional sports and just about every aspect of life.
Scouts, talent evaluators, and executives are continually trying to measure a player’s worth and talent level, assigning grades to prospects’ tools and giving them odds to reach the big leagues.
They are often right, but they are wrong sometimes.
Those who defy the odds are often the most determined, stubborn, and hard-working prospects who are convinced that they are better than the world thinks they are.
They know they need to prove it, and dedicate a lot of time and effort to improve.
The sky is the limit, as long as that sentence comes with a healthy dose of work, hope, and determination.
NEXT: Julio Rodriguez Shown Training With His New Teammate
