I had to go out and give my team a chance. I didn't want to be

"I had to go out and give my team a chance. I didn't want to be remembered as the guy blowing the World Series." These words, spoken by Vernon Law, carry the weight of an athlete’s most noble impulse—the drive to rise above failure, to give everything for the team, and to not be defined by one moment of weakness. In this simple yet profound statement, Law reflects on the fear that grips all who face great responsibility—the fear of failure, of letting down not just oneself, but the entire team. His determination to go out and give his best reveals a deep understanding that it is not the moment of defeat that defines us, but the courage we summon in those critical moments to redeem ourselves and give our all.

This notion of giving everything for the greater good echoes throughout the stories of the greatest warriors and leaders in history. Achilles, in the Iliad, knew the weight of his destiny as a hero. Though he was destined for greatness, Achilles also understood the price of failure. When the Greeks faced certain defeat without his leadership, he knew that his valor and courage could turn the tide of battle. Despite his pride and the turmoil within him, it was his sense of duty to his comrades that ultimately led him to take up arms once more. Like Law, Achilles understood that one’s legacy is not defined by a single failure, but by the willingness to act when the stakes are highest.

Similarly, the story of Thomas Edison, whose numerous failures did not define him but were instead stepping stones to his eventual triumphs, offers another parallel. Edison famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison, like Law, could have been defined by his repeated failures, but instead, he chose to continue, to press forward with resolve and commitment. It was his refusal to be defined by any single defeat that ultimately led him to the groundbreaking success that would forever change the world. Law, in his own way, embodied this resilience—understanding that the test of a man’s character is not in avoiding mistakes, but in persevering despite them.

The weight of responsibility to a team, a community, or even to history itself, is something that has been understood for centuries. Consider the life of Nelson Mandela, who, despite facing the heavy burden of injustice, maintained his resolve to fight for freedom. When he was released from prison after 27 years, Mandela faced the daunting challenge of not only leading a divided nation but also of overcoming the long history of personal sacrifice and struggle. Like Law, Mandela did not allow himself to be defined by his hardships. Instead, he chose to give his country—and his people—the best of himself, even in the face of incredible personal cost. His legacy, like Law’s, is one of determination, service, and the courage to rise again, no matter how difficult the task.

Law’s quote also speaks to the power of redemption. In sports, as in life, failure is inevitable. But it is through our responses to these failures that we define ourselves. Law knew that his team depended on him. To blow the World Series would have been a scar upon his name, but the choice to act and give his team a chance to succeed is what ultimately shaped his legacy. The lesson here is not just for athletes, but for all of us. In our work, relationships, and endeavors, it is easy to fear that one mistake will define us forever. Yet, it is in those very moments of difficulty that we have the chance to make the most profound impact—through our resilience and determination to rise and give our best, regardless of the outcome.

The lesson from Vernon Law’s words is one of profound courage and selflessness. It is not enough to simply avoid failure; we must act in the face of adversity, giving our best even when the odds seem against us. Whether it is in sports, business, or personal life, we are all called to rise when it matters most. The fear of failure will always be present, but it is how we respond—how we choose to give our all—that truly defines our character. The greatest among us are not those who avoid mistakes, but those who face them, learn from them, and continue to give everything for the greater good.

So, let us take Vernon Law’s words to heart. Like him, we must commit to giving our best at all times, knowing that our legacy is not shaped by one failure, but by our determination to keep moving forward. Let us embrace the responsibility we have to those around us, to our teams, and to our communities. For in the end, it is our willingness to face the greatest challenges with courage and honor that will determine the greatness of our lives.