Growing up, my friend Tanner's dad Jim (Swannie) would always tell us stories about his baseball career.

He would tell us that he was the only left-handed catcher in pro baseball.

Recently my dad brought me a book that was written about him, confirming that.

What is incredible is that Swannie didn't let anyone else's ideas or beliefs stop him from pursuing his dreams.

"There aren't any left-handed catchers in baseball"

"Not Yet", thought Swannie.

This determination landed him on a team called the Portland Mavericks coached by actor Kurt Russell's dad, Bing.

It was Swannie's determination and persistence that led him to his success.

It is a great reminder to us all.