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Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
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Wednesday (Kobe Bryant defines A-Rod in one sentence) edition: Wha' Happened?
Posted by: Michael Rand under Professional baseball Updated: October 17, 2012 - 8:44 AM
In the process, though, he did something much bigger: he defined the difference between athletes like himself and athletes like A-Rod in one beautiful quote:
"We're different. But you're talking about, 'He's one of the best to ever play.' I think really the difference is, sometimes he forgets he's the best. ... Where, I don't."
Perfect. There could not be a better way to describe the two men, and how it relates to their performance when it counts the most. When Bryant has missed four consecutive shots, he still expects the fifth to go in -- as does everyone who is watching. When A-Rod has struck out four consecutive times, he expects to strike out a fifth time -- as does everyone who is watching.
Where does the confidence of one and the doubt of another come from? Only they know. But that is the difference. And now that A-Rod has lost it, we're not sure he will ever reclaim it.
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