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There are a select few moments that shape a child's character and lay the foundation for what they will become in adulthood. One such occasion gave me the never-say-die attitude that I will carry with me to my grave. It also marked the greatest comeback story ever.

My little league team (nicknamed the "Orange Crush" after our team colors and power at the plate, came to the field for the championship game with a deep-rooted uneasiness that day. We were playing a highly talented team that hadn't lost a game all season long. I was the youngest and smallest member of the "Crush", so did not expect to play in this, the pinnacle of the little league season.

The game began and my team played tentatively. We did not produce at the plate or make the routine plays in the field. Before we knew what had happened, it was the bottom of the last inning and we were down by a score of 9-0.

Our coach, who had been openly frustrated with our play throughout the contest, huddled his troops outside the dugout for a rare speech. As long as I live, I will never forget what he said to us: "Now I have a question. Do you boys want this to be the day you almost won the championship game, or do you want this day to stick with them as the day they almost beat the greatest little league team to ever play on this field? You go out there and play your hearts out...and know in your hearts that you will leave this field with your heads held high, victorious."

Greatly inspired, our team went up to bat with a new ferocity and passion that we had never known before and likely will never know again. We swatted the ball around the park, scoring 10 runs in the inning. I had the game-winning single coming off of the bench in a crucial situation. The most improbable of victories was ours: the championship, the glory, and the fighting spirit that will always remain in our hearts.

Learn more about this author, David Teter.
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