DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Nile Kinnick diary of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve Air Corps, February 26, 1942-September 1, 1942

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Nile Kinnick diary of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve Air Corps, February 26, 1942-September 1, 1942

Page 031

Sunday - March 29
We dragged through our regular schedule of ground school classes today. It was the seventh day of the week, but surely it wasn't Sunday. There was baseball practice, too. We chose up and had a little game, with me catching for one side. Did just fairly well - no hits, nobody thrown out, and worst of all no urge or ambition. Didn't realize how much I had concentrated on football to the exclusion of proficiency in baseball - and basketball - these past few years. Am more convinced than ever that desire is 80% of success in athletics, probably in anything. Believe that I would be better off to quit baseball. There are at least two better catchers than I right now, and it wouldn't be worth the effort to try outbest them. Furthermore, they are lengthening the day again. We are getting up at 5 AM now. There is no use adding the fatigue of baseball & the time it would take, to a schedule that already keeps me awfully busy & draws of my energy. 
Played bridge after supper. Held excellent cards again.

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Sunday - March 29 We dragged through our regular schedule of ground school classes today. It was the seventh day of the week, but surely it wasn't Sunday. There was baseball practice, too. We chose up and had a little game, with me catching for one side. Did just fairly well - no hits, nobody thrown out, and worst of all no urge or ambition. Didn't realize how much I had concentrated on football to the exclusion of proficiency in baseball - and basketball - these past few years. Am more convinced than ever that desire is 80% of success in athletics, probably in anything. Believe that I would be better off to quit baseball. There are at least two better catchers than I right now, and it wouldn't be worth the effort to try outbest them. Furthermore, they are lengthening the day again. We are getting up at 5 AM now. There is no use adding the fatigue of baseball & the time it would take, to a schedule that already keeps me awfully busy & draws of my energy. Played bridge after supper. Held excellent cards again.