“It is necessary…for a man to go away by himself…and ask, ‘Who am I, where have I been, and where am I going?'” – Carl (August) Sandburg (1878-1967), U.S. poet, biographer, journalist and editor.
Willie Mays / Jerry West
Thoughts about profession, strategy and life
“In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without one-hundred percent dedication, you won’t be able to do this.”
Willie Howard “Willie” Mays Jr. . (1931-2024), nicknamed the ‘Say Hey Kid,’ Mays was a U.S. professional baseball center fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball. was an American professional baseball (MLB). Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Mays was a five-tool player who began his career in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Birmingham Black Barons, and spent the rest of his career (NL), playing for the New York / San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. (See sports).
“You need lofty goals. Then cement it with a great work ethic.”
(1938-2024), Jerome Alan “Jerry” West, was a U.S. basketball player and executive. He played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. His nicknames included “the Logo”, in reference to his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo; “Mr. Clutch”, for his ability to make a big play in a key situation such as his famous buzzer-beating 60 -foot shot that tied Game 3 of the 1970 NBA finals against the New York Knicks. “Mr. Outside”, in reference to his perimeter play with the Lakers and “Zeke from Cabin Creek” for the creek near his birthplace of Chelyan.
“They throw the ball, I hit it. They hit the ball, I catch it. “- Willie Mays
“The 3-point line has changed the game so much. The day of the big man, unless you’re extraordinary good, is not numbered, but certainly you gotta be a lot more versatile to play the game today. You gotta be able to really run up and down the court.” – Jerry West
“I don’t compare ’em, I just catch ’em.” – Willie Mays
“For some reason, I always wanted to work in an environment where things weren’t so good. I’m no messiah, but I always wanted to try and make a difference where a team hadn’t prospered. ” – Jerry West
“I would try and help everybody, because the game was so easy for me. It was just like walking in the park.” – Willie Mays
“I’m not one who likes to be honored, to be honest with you. That’s never been who I am. ” Jerry West
Also:
“On Self-respect” / Joan Didion (1934-2021), U.S. writer and journalist. She is considered one of the pioneers of New Journalism along with Gay Talese, Hunter S. Thompson, and Tom Wolfe. Didion’s career began in the 1950s after she won an essay contest sponsored by Vogue magazine. Refer to: https://yale.learningu.org/download/85e1ca3695ab0e000f2c8bf10be1a59d/S574_didion_respect.pdf?utm_source=GetTheElevator.com&utm_medium=email
Note: West was a 1960 Olympian.
(Refer to https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/famous-olympians-from-wv/, although the listing may not be exhaustive.)