Words of Wisdom to kids by Don Kessinger, Ralph Branca, and a letter from Elden Auker

So as a kid, around 11 years old, my dad started to write baseball players through the mail asking, "What piece of advice would you give to a youngster, which you found to be helpful in your career?"  Sometimes the players would give little bits of advise, but some would write a paragraph, and others, you will see, wrote full letters.

Don Kessinger wrote, "The best advice I can give any young man concerning baseball is to have fun playing the game." Kessinger played 16 years in the majors, for the Cubs, Cardinals, and White Sox as a player-manager in 1979.  He signed with the Chicago Cubs out of the University of Mississippi, and in his first year in the majors, in 1965, he lead the league in errors. Despite the rough start, Kessinger, with fellow team mates Ernie Banks, Glen Beckert, and Ron Santo, led the league in put-outs by a short-stop for three years, assists four years, double plays four years, and fielding average once. He also played for the National League in five All Star Games and was awarded two Gold Glove Awards.

Ralph Branca, AKA Hawk, penned, "Practice what you don't do well. Improve on your lesser abilities." Branca won 21 games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 at the young age of 21. He won game six in the World Series, saved by Al Gionfriddo's famous catch of a long drive to the fence by Joe DiMaggio.  Ralph Branca was also on the hill the day Bobby Thompson hit "The Shot Heard Around the World" to win the 1951 playoff.  After retiring as a player Branca became a broadcaster for the Mets.

Submarine pitcher Elden Auker, appropriately nicknamed "Submarine", developed his underhand style of pitching due to a shoulder injury he suffered while playing football for Kansas State University. In addition to college football, he also played basketball and baseball.  While playing for the Tigers in 1935, he led the league in winning percentage with a record of 18-7.  Auker also got to pitch the first night game in St. Louis on May 24, 1940, unfortunately resulting in a loss to Bob Feller and the Cleveland Indians 3-2.  When asked what advice he might have for a youngster, Auker wrote back with an entire page saying:

I hope [your sons] dream of playing professional baseball comes true.  I highly recommend that he refrains from the use of tobacco, in all forms, drugs, and alcohol.  From the physical standpoint, the legs are the most important part of the body.  in all forms of athletics, keeping the legs in perfect condition is the secret to the athlete's success.  Sprinting is the best form of leg conditioning.  Unending practice is a must whether it be throwing or batting. Then run, run, run!  Last but not least, GET YOUR EDUCATION FIRST!  If you are successful in obtaining your goal in any sport, the professional life is relatively short.  So it is important to have your education and be prepared for a long and happy life after you have retired from professional baseball or whatever professional sport you may choose.  

I can say, I never remember breaking a window, being late for a game, or having met my hero.  I really never had a hero; I just played the game and met many great players, all of whom became close friends.  I was a very fortunate young man and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of "The Game," during those years.  I had so many interesting experiences during my career, that it is difficult to point to one in particular.  Beating the Cardinals in the 1934 World Series, winning the World Series in 1935, were two I will never forget.  

I was interested in what George Kell told kids.  He was very fortunate to have a father who wanted to "play catch."  I had a great dad but I do not remember him ever "Playing Catch" with me.  In fact I Did not expect him to.  That was for us kids.  I am a great believer that a child who has an interest in any kind of sports should learn to play the sport with his peers.  I think the parents should encourage him or her to participate and support their effort in every way possible.  If the child has the desire and ability, he can only build his confidence and develop his god-given talent by competing with his or her peers.  My advice is to let the child develop and grow into his own talent.  This builds his inner confidence and leaves his desire to compete to himself.  These two elements should never be forced upon the child.

I can say from experience, if a child has the desire to play any sport in high school, college, or professionally, they must take the utmost care of their body.  A healthy body must be free from drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.  If a child does not have the courage to avoid these three substances, then they do not have the courage to compete at a high level in sports.  Also if they are going to compete in in any sports, the legs are the most important part of conditioning.  Running is the only way to keep in condition.  In any sport, when the legs go, so does the ability.  

Sincerely,
Elden Auker

Take it from a pro who struck out the Babe in four pitches in his first big league appearance,  keep your nose clean, go to school, and don't ever skip leg day!