Extra Innings by Joe Boesch

Baseball is a game that takes time to perfect; it consists of working hard, determination and grit. Most players develop and become good through the years of extensive training and practice. John Habyan, former Major League pitcher with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, California Angels and Colorado Rockies, knows the trials and tribulations that come with competing on the major league level. Just as in the movie The Natural , Roy Hobbs attributed his hard work to his father – when they made the bat “Wonder Boy” and practiced pitching and throwing in the opening segments of the film. Habyan attributes the same – making a pitching mound in the backyard of their home and practicing the mechanics of pitching. His father noticed his talent and sensed he was more advanced than the other boys were. “My father gave me good advice...he encouraged me and said, ‘I’ll help you make a career out of this if you want?’ I then started to work out with ...

At the moment, I'm reading Ira Berkow's new book: Full Swing: Hits, Runs and Errors in a Writer's Life. His writing is exceptional and as a young writer, I sought his expertise on writing and how I can become a better writer. I've been asked by many, including some on MLBlogs , my road to writing. Well, it's not easy and I must say I've had good times and bad with it. Though, I don't discourage anyone from being a writer , it takes a lot of hardwork and concentration to make it. So, in saying, I would like to share a letter from Ira Berkow and others on becoming a writer. Dear Joe Boesch: It's been a little busy around here so it's taken me some time to get around to responding to your letter. My first suggestion , above all others, is to read, read, read . Read all the good writers you can lay your hands and eyes on. That's true for anyone who wishes to be a writer. Make sure you read thoroughly E. B. White's The Elements of Style...