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3 Things to Learn from Kobe Bryant, Roy Halladay’s Passing

By Matt Rappa

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 8: Former Major League pitcher Roy Halladay talks to the media prior to the game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies on August 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 8: Former Major League pitcher Roy Halladay talks to the media prior to the game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies on August 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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3. It’s more than just a game.

Phillies
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 29: The family of the late Roy Halladay #32 of the Toronto Blue Jays during a pre-game ceremony honoring his memory as his widow Brandy Halladay and their two sons Braden and Ryan walk out onto the field on Opening Day during MLB game action against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roy Halladay;Brandy Halladay;Braden Halladay;Ryan Halladay /

Athletes on the court or on the baseball diamond face similar battles as we do in life.

If they have a flat tire, they have to find a way to get it repaired in enough time so it does not affect their schedule for the rest of the day and week. Similar to Kobe’s situation, if their daughter has a sporting event she need to get to, they have to find a way to get there on time.

It’s OK to be upset after a loss, or thrilled after a win, but the next time we “boo” an athlete on the field, we should take a step back and realize that they are just as human as we are. These players are not statues on the field. They are actual people with emotions who feel the highest of highs and the lowest of lows just as we do.

Bryant once said in a Showtime documentary, “There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals. If you want to be great at something there is a choice you have to make. We can all be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice.”

He adds, “What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that — family time, hanging out with your friends, being a great friend. being a great son, nephew, whatever the case may be. There are sacrifices that come along with that.”

At his Wall of Fame induction ceremony speech, Halladay’s wife, Brandy, said, “I think that Roy would want everyone to know that people are not perfect. We are all imperfect and flawed in one way or another.”

“We all struggle, but with hard work, humility and dedication, imperfect people can still have perfect moments.”

Rest in peace, Kobe and Roy.

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