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101 Baseball Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Baseball is a sport that has captivated the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. From the excitement of a home run to the strategy behind a well-executed double play, there are countless aspects of baseball that can be explored and analyzed. If you are tasked with writing an essay on baseball and are struggling to find a topic, fear not! We have compiled a list of 101 baseball essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing.

• The evolution of baseball: From its origins to the modern game.
• The impact of Jackie Robinson on breaking the color barrier in baseball.
• Analyzing the influence of Babe Ruth on the game of baseball.
• The role of statistics in baseball: How sabermetrics changed the game.
• The rise of analytics in baseball: Its advantages and disadvantages.
• The impact of performance-enhancing drugs on the integrity of baseball.
• The importance of sportsmanship in baseball: Examining famous incidents.
• The role of umpires in the game: How they shape the outcome.
• The impact of technology on baseball: From instant replay to pitch tracking.
• The significance of baseball in American culture: Reflections on its symbolism.
• The role of the designated hitter in baseball: Should it be adopted universally?
• The importance of team chemistry in successful baseball teams.
• The influence of the media on the perception of baseball.
• The significance of baseball stadiums: A comparison of iconic venues.
• The impact of international players on Major League Baseball.
• The role of baseball in promoting social change and activism.
• The psychology of baseball: Examining the mental aspect of the game.
• The role of managers in baseball: Their strategies and decision-making.
• The rise of women's baseball: Analyzing its growth and challenges.
• The impact of baseball on the economy: From ticket sales to merchandise.
• The role of youth baseball in developing future talent.
• The evolution of baseball equipment: From wooden bats to advanced technology.
• The importance of scouting and player development in baseball.
• The role of superstitions and rituals in baseball.
• The impact of free agency on player movement and team dynamics.
• The significance of baseball records: Breaking down the most notable ones.
• The role of baseball in promoting physical fitness and health.
• The impact of baseball on local communities: Case studies of minor league teams.
• The role of baseball in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
• The importance of teamwork in baseball: Lessons learned from successful teams.
• The influence of baseball on literature and popular culture.
• The role of baseball in fostering national unity during challenging times.
• The impact of the designated hitter rule on offensive strategies.
• The significance of the World Series: Examining its history and legacy.
• The role of baseball in promoting tourism: A study of baseball-themed attractions.
• The influence of baseball on other sports: Comparing strategies and techniques.
• The impact of globalization on the popularity of baseball.
• The significance of baseball cards: Their historical and monetary value.
• The role of baseball in promoting education and academic success.
• The psychology of a successful pitcher: Examining their mindset and strategies.
• The impact of the steroid era on the perception of baseball's golden age.
• The significance of baseball in wartime: Analyzing its role during conflicts.
• The influence of the media on player endorsements and sponsorships.
• The importance of sportsmanship in youth baseball: Lessons for young players.
• The role of baseball in promoting civic engagement and community service.
• The impact of the designated hitter on the National League: Should it be adopted?
• The significance of baseball in overcoming societal prejudices: Case studies.
• The evolution of baseball strategies: From small ball to power hitting.
• The role of baseball in the integration of immigrants into American society.
• The impact of injuries on player careers and team performance.
• The significance of baseball rituals and traditions: A comparative analysis.
• The influence of baseball on American slang and idioms.
• The importance of sportsmanship in the rivalry between baseball teams.
• The role of baseball in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
• The impact of rule changes on the pace of the game: Analyzing their effectiveness.
• The significance of baseball in building character and life skills in young athletes.
• The influence of baseball movies on popular culture and fan perception.
• The importance of baseball in preserving local history and heritage.
• The role of baseball in promoting environmental sustainability: Green initiatives.
• The impact of baseball on the tourism industry: A study on baseball tourism.
• The significance of baseball in shaping national identity: Case studies.
• The influence of baseball statistics on player contracts and salaries.
• The importance of baseball in promoting resilience and perseverance.
• The role of baseball in promoting social integration and breaking down barriers.
• The impact of analytics on player development and scouting.
• The significance of baseball in promoting community cohesion: Case studies.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports broadcasting.
• The importance of baseball in teaching life lessons to young players.
• The role of baseball in promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy.
• The impact of baseball on the physical and mental health of fans.
• The significance of baseball in promoting patriotism and national pride.
• The influence of baseball on fashion and popular trends.
• The importance of baseball in promoting discipline and self-control.
• The role of baseball in promoting volunteerism and community service.
• The impact of baseball on the entertainment industry: From movies to music.
• The significance of baseball in promoting intergenerational bonding: Case studies.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports journalism.
• The importance of baseball in promoting fair play and respect for opponents.
• The role of baseball in fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
• The impact of baseball on the physical and mental well-being of players.
• The significance of baseball in promoting social justice: Case studies.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports photography.
• The importance of baseball in promoting teamwork and cooperation.
• The role of baseball in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity.
• The impact of baseball on the tourism industry: A study on baseball-themed vacations.
• The significance of baseball in promoting physical education in schools.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports broadcasting technology.
• The importance of baseball in promoting leadership skills and responsibility.
• The role of baseball in fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• The impact of baseball on the physical and mental health of youth players.
• The significance of baseball in promoting national unity: Case studies.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports journalism ethics.
• The importance of baseball in promoting perseverance and resilience.
• The role of baseball in promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
• The impact of baseball on the tourism industry: A study on baseball-themed tours.
• The significance of baseball in promoting physical fitness in schools.
• The influence of baseball on the development of sports broadcasting techniques.
• The importance of baseball in promoting teamwork and collaboration.
• The role of baseball in fostering a sense of cultural diversity and acceptance.
• The impact of baseball on the physical and mental well-being of amateur players.
• The significance of baseball in promoting social cohesion and harmony.

With these 101 baseball essay topic ideas and examples, you are sure to find the perfect topic to write about. Whether you are interested in the historical aspects of the game, statistical analysis, or the impact of baseball on society, there is something for everyone. So grab your pen and paper, or fire up your computer, and start exploring the fascinating world of baseball through your essay!

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7 Hooks To Run When Writing An Essay On Sports

So you have to write an essay that is related to sports. Great! Sports is an interesting topic that can be made even more interesting depending on how you present it.

One of the best ways to get readers interested and motivated to read your essay is by having a hook. A hook is the first sentence or two that is designed to really captivate the reader. It should be related to your overall topic but doesn’t necessarily have to be the focus of your essay, just connected. It should also be something that is surprising or thought-provoking.

There are several types of hooks that you can use. Here we will go over each one, plus some useful examples so you can see them in action! All of the following are sports related.

Quotations used as hooks can either be used to make the reader think or be said by someone famous in order to draw the reader in. Using a quote makes for a good introduction because it provides a good lead in to your topic.

“If you’re not the first, then you’re the last.” – Ricky Bobby

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” – Michael Jordan

“Pain is temporary. Greatness is forever.”

• Personal Experience

Personal experience with a particular subject in sports will make your hook very interesting because you are putting yourself in your essay. Most poorly written essays are very dry and boring because they have no sense of a person. Starting with the personal experience shows the reader that the author (you) is present.

I’ll never forget the summer of 1989 when the Buck won the championship.

I absolutely hated Physical Education while I was growing up.

Once, I got hit in the head so hard with a baseball that it knocked me unconscious.

Facts or statistics can often surprise readers. That should be your goal when using this hook. You want them to be intrigued by the figure or real statement you have just given. It could be something unusual, impressive, or profound.

There are only two days out of the year that do not feature any professional sports games in the U.S.

The average golf ball has 336 divots.

In 15 seasons with the New York Yankees, Babe Ruth only won four World Series.

• Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are questions that you don’t expect to be answered. They are either to state the obvious or to make you think. They are often used as hooks in essays to help lead the reader to the topic of the paper. There is no way they can be answered anyway because essays are a one-sided conversation! The answer should be written directly after it is given.

What’s the one thing that can bring a nation together and instill national pride?

Why do different countries have different sports?

Who will win the Super Bowl this year?

Anecdotes are stories. They are very closely related to personal experience, and can even often be the same thing. We’ve made them different categories because personal experience is always about you or something you know, whereas an anecdote can be about anyone or anything.

Mother of three, Anna Smith lost her leg while running the Boston Marathon.

It was a dark and stormy night when the teen had finally decided what he wanted to be. He was going to pour all his effort into becoming the world’s best hockey player.

• Controversial Statements

Controversy is everywhere, and that is inclusive of sports. Controversial statements instantly give the reader a chance to say I completely agree, or I disagree. If they agree, they will be eager to hear what they already know to make their decision stronger. If they disagree, they will be eager to read and find the flaws in your argument. Either way, it’s a good hook!

American football needs to be discontinued because of the growing evidence that hard hits can lead to death over time.

All professional sports player should be required to go to college in order to be able to participate.

The GPA should be raised to 2.5 for high school students to participate in team sports.

Your thesis will outline the broad reasons you agree or disagree with the controversial statement.

There are such things as definition essays, in fact, you may have written one before, but using a definition as a hook is different. It gives a good idea as to what your essay will be about and although since a definition is so clear, it paves the way for you to write about how it applies to your topic in a flexible or rigid way.

A sore loser is someone who easily gets upset after losing and tends to blame others for the loss.

Teamwork is defined as the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.

As you can see, you have many options when it comes to finding the perfect hook. You just have to decide which one will work best for writing your particular academic essay from scratch . Which is your style? Which will resonate with your readers more? Answer these questions, and you’re on the right track!

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193 Sports Persuasive Essay Topics [with Tips & Examples]

For many of us, physical activity is an essential part of life. From morning yoga to professional soccer, it helps us stay fit and healthy. Besides, it’s a source of entertainment that can relax us and calm us down.

Writing or talking about sports can be as enjoyable as doing or playing them. Are you passionate about some game or event? Do you have a favorite player? Have you ever participated in a championship? Watched the Olympic games? All these aspects can be explored in a paper, and a good sports persuasive essay topic will help you with that.

Whether you need a subject for public speaking or you are writing a persuasive text, you will find the right idea here. Our professional writers prepared gathered sports persuasive speech topics and essay ideas. So, check out our list to find something you can convince your audience of.

• ✍️ How to Start?
• ⭐ Stellar Sports Topics
• ❄️ Winter Sports
• ☀️ Summer Sports
• 🏈 American Football
• 🏀 Basketball
• 🏋 Olympics Topics
• 🏆 NBA Topics
• 🏃 NFL Topics
• 🏒 NHL Topics
• 🤸 Exercises Topics

🍏 Fitness Topics

• 💃 Dance Topics
• 📝 Writing about Sports

✍️ How to Start a Sports Persuasive Essay?

You may be familiar with the term “hook” concerning the essay writing. If not, well, it’s a catchy sentence or two at the beginning of the paper. It’s supposed to intrigue the reader and grab their attention so that they follow your train of thought.

The writer places a hook before the thesis statement of their paper. This way, the reader will be more focused on the core message.

Let’s be real:

Not everyone is interested in sports. Or not in the particular game that you center your paper around. So, in the persuasive essay on sports, a catchy hook is essential. You need an attention grabber to make anyone engaged. Plus, it helps to get a clear understanding of your thesis later. You can check out some college essay examples to better understand what we’re talking about.

So, how can you intrigue from the start?

There are several popular hooks for sports-related essays:

• Quotations . A quotation is an engaging way to introduce your reader to the topic. Make sure the quote is relevant to the rest of the essay. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
• Fun Facts . Use some fun or unexpected info about sports to surprise a reader. It can be a great attention-grabber, especially if a reader is not knowledgeable on the subject. A record 202 countries participated in the 2004 Olympic Summer Games in Athens.
• Personal Experience. Using personal experience in a hook is smart in several ways. First, it gives the reader a sense of the author’s presence. Second, it provides information in an engaging, conversational style. I couldn’t stand the idea of working out when I was younger.
• Anecdotes . Similar to personal experience, anecdotes are entertaining stories. They can be based on a real narrative or be entirely made-up. Your task is to make them humorous. Do you know Jim Thorpe’s response when he received the gold medal for the Decathlon? When the King of Sweden said that Thorpe was the greatest athlete in the world, he said, “Thanks, King.”
• Rhetorical Questions . Rhetorical questions don’t require an answer. They either state the obvious or encourage one’s thinking. Use them in a hook to immerse the reader into the subject. If LeBron James ends up taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs now, and Carmelo Anthony can’t take the Denver Nuggets to the playoffs, what do you think that does to the Rookie of the Year voting?
• Useful Definition . Starting the first paragraph with a definition sets the tone for your essay. It is an informative, specific lead to your topic. Deck work is the mood-setting moves performed on the deck once the music starts before the swimmers enter the water.
• Controversial statement . There are usually two sides to any controversy. Your reader will either agree or disagree with a given statement but will stay invested. The U.S. men’s soccer team won’t win a World Cup in the foreseeable future.

⭐ 12 Best Sports Persuasive Speech Topics

• College Basketball.
• Sports Psychology.
• Ticket Prices.
• American Football.
• Student-Athletes.
• Soccer Championships.
• Sports Education.
• Controversial Matches.
• 2022 Olympics.
• Cheerleading.
• Youth Sports.

🍂 Persuasive Essay Topics: Seasonal Sports

Some sports activities differ from one time of the year to another. Here is a list of good persuasive essay topics about seasonal sports:

❄️ Winter Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

• The launch of The Winter Dew Tour has greatly Improved Snowboarding Culture in the US .
• Recent Climate Change Trends pose a significant threat to the winter sports industry.
• Cross Country Skiing is the least dangerous of all winter sports.
• Figure skating judges are biased .
• Violence in hockey is often encouraged by fans.
• Ski jumping is better than snowboarding.
• North Korea stole the show during Pyongyang winter Olympics.
• The Winter sports apparel market will keep growing regardless of the global crisis.
• Fake snow should not be used for winter sports.
• Bobsleigh is not a serious sport.

☀️ Summer Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

• Golf is a rich man’s favorite sport.
• Horse showing is underrated in the US .
• Boxing is better than MMA. Are boxers better athletes than MMA fighters?
• More American Universities should invest in organizing summer sports camps.
• It’s time to cancel the NBA summer league.
• Gymnastics is the most aesthetically pleasing sport.
• Wimbledon is not as prestigious anymore.
• Skateboarding should not be a part of the Olympics.
• Alcohol consumption should be prohibited during the Tour de France.
• Martial arts are practiced only for defense purposes .
• Nike is the best producer of golf equipment .
• Badminton is harder to play than tennis.
• Lacrosse and field hockey are the same sport.
• Swimming should be a mandatory skill for everyone.
• Surfing is the most difficult of all water sports.

🏏 Sports Persuasive Essay Topics: Games

Games can be one of the most exciting things about sports. Take a look at the persuasive essay topics about team sports:

🏈 American Football Persuasive Essay Topics

• Football is too dangerous for its players . Concussions and other brain injuries are common in American football.
• American football philosophy is inseparable from American identity .
• American football is more profitable than baseball .
• Companies should stop placing ads on the player’s uniform. Elaborate on the distracting factor. Can it lead to more injuries among the players?
• College athletes who play American football should get a better insurance plan.

• The Canadian football league is more fun to watch than the NFL.
• Rugby is harder to play than American football.
• College football players should get higher scholarships.
• More awareness should be raised about racist team names in football.
• The football helmet is an essential part of the equipment.
• Of all contact team sports, American football is the most dangerous .
• There should be an age limit for young kids to start playing football.
• The tradition of American football has created a tightly-bound community.
• American football cultivates unnecessary violence and aggression.
• American football conveys a wrong image of masculinity.

⚽ Soccer Persuasive Essay Topics

• FIFA World Cup is the most profitable yet corrupt soccer event in the world . Should its policies be reconsidered?
• FIFA’s primary mission is to promote peace and intercultural communication .
• Soccer World Cup is not well adjusted for the international crowd.
• Women’s soccer gets fewer media coverage than men’s soccer.
• Virtual reality is soccer training that can replace conventional training methods.
• The World Cup events bring severe damage to the countries that host them.
• Soccer drills are the most effective training strategy.
• Different techniques for kicking a soccer ball are a critical element of the game.
• Despite all the risks, soccer is the best investment in the sports industry .
• Soccer has become an integral part of Saudi culture .
• The World Cup bidding system is too corrupt.

• Girls soccer teams should be allowed to compete with boys soccer teams.
• Karl Henning is a better businessman than a soccer player.
• Soccer coaching ethics should be stricter.
• Soccer is the most popular team sport of the century .

🏀 Basketball Persuasive Essay Topics

• UCR’s Women’s Basketball uses inefficient marketing strategies .
• We should reconsider the age range for basketball game players.
• There should be a female version of the Big East conference.
• Racial prejudices are a prominent issue in basketball.
• College basketball players should get paid for each game.
• Michael Jordan and LeBron James should not be compared.
• Basketball is the least traumatic team sport.
• Schools should encourage and support girls’ basketball teams more.
• Basketball is a more exciting game than soccer.
• Height is not a decisive factor in basketball.
• There is a link between basketball and hip-hop.
• The use of Native American imagery for basketball mascots is offensive.
• Basketball is a more American game than football.
• Basketball used to be more accessible.
• Basketball games in movies are not realistic.

⚾ Baseball Persuasive Essay Topics

• Baseball is more profitable than football.
• Baseball games should incorporate instant replays.
• Major League Baseball should carry out tests on steroid use among players .
• MLB should invest more in seeking out young talents .
• Pitchers play the most influential role in baseball.
• Princeton University Youth Baseball and Softball Association is a great initiative.
• Baseball is more interesting to watch than cricket.
• Data collection methods in MLB are not objective .
• The rules in baseball are too complicated for spectators to follow.

• Baseball used to be more exciting as a game.
• International players in baseball teams attract new audiences.
• American Legion Baseball coaches should get higher salaries.
• MLB should have a set salary cap.
• Baseball salary caps are, in fact, a bad idea.
• Houston Astros players should’ve been penalized after the sign-stealing scandal.

🥇 Professional Sports Persuasive Essay Topics

We honor a variety of sports on different large-scale events. Here are persuasive essay topics about professional sports:

🏋 Olympics Persuasive Essay Topics

• Ancient Greek Olympics held more sense and symbolism compared to the modern Olympics.
• Skill and greatness shouldn’t be ultimately measured by the number of gold medals.
• The Summer Olympics are more entertaining than the Winter Olympics.
• We should abolish the Olympic games . Explain that they cause severe economic and social issues. Elaborate on the harm to the environment due to the games.
• The Olympics are great at promoting values of peace and international communication.
• The Olympic games bring more damage than benefits to a hosting country.
• Medicine dealing is the most problematic aspect of the Olympics.
• Jesse Owens is the greatest athlete in Olympics history.
• The Olympics ticketing system will significantly benefit from IT development .
• The Olympics Committee should reconsider the use of anabolic steroids.
• Money spent on the Olympics could serve better causes .
• Special Olympics should get more media coverage.
• The Summer Olympics list should include cricket.
• We shouldn’t ban blood doping during the Olympics.
• Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be postponed until 2022.

🏆 NBA Persuasive Essay Topics

• If not his multiple injuries Ralph Sampson could’ve become the player of the century.
• The WNBA is underrated compared to the NBA . Why do female players have significantly smaller salaries than male players?
• The NBA has one of the most loyal fan bases of all.

• The NBA All-Star games are more entertaining than Super Bowl events.
• The NBA age limit is too small.
• Investing in an NBA team is too risky .
• The NBA draft does not provide equal chances for all teams.
• Joel Embiid owes part of his success to Kobe Bryant.
• Is NBA the most successful of North America’s sports leagues?
• Charlotte Hornet’s value rose because Michael Jordan bought it.
• Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks are equally good teams.
• The rivalry between Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors developed after the 2015 NBA Finals.
• The NBA’s dress code should be reconsidered.
• The NBA 2011 lockout has significantly worsened the owners-players relationship .
• Michael Jordan is overrated.

🏃 NFL Persuasive Essay Topics

• Super Bowl uses an extremely efficient marketing strategy .
• The NFL concussion rules are too disruptive for the game.
• Tony Romo is the best player in Dallas Cowboys.
• The NFL is more profitable than MLB.
• NFL’s Michael Vick case . Explain that the legal justice system does not treat celebrities equally as other individuals. Provide more examples from real life to support your arguments.
• Does NFL cultivate violence and aggression?
• NFL UK will be able to compete with the original NFL in the foreseeable future.
• The NFL should pay more attention to head injuries.
• Dak Prescott is the best quarterback.

• Is Tua Tagovaiola overrated? He went straight from Alabama football team to Miami Dolphins. That’s when Tagovailoa started as a promising quarterback. But what happened after?
• We should end the NFL Preseason tradition as it’s unnecessary.
• Chicago Bears is the most successful NFL team.
• New Orleans Saints was a revolutionary team for the NFL.
• Antonio Brown should be able to return to playing in NFL regardless of his criminal record.
• The NFL is the best football association in the world, and here’s why.

🏒 NHL Persuasive Essay Topics

• The NHL is not doing enough to control violence during the game.
• Fighting should be banned as it can result in player’s life-long injuries.
• Edmonton Oilers’ Connor Mcdavid is the best NHL player.
• Canadians are better at playing hockey than Americans.
• The NFL should consider reducing contract length.
• Florida Panthers have a long way to go to become a good team.
• Gary Bettman is the worst NHL commissioner.
• Tickets for the NHL winter classic games should be less expensive.
• Victor Hedman is the all-time best defenseman in Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Regardless of their efforts, referees are always the scapegoats on ice.
• The NHL All-Star games are more exciting than the NBA ones.

🚴 Physical Activities Persuasive Essay Topics

Sport is not always about competing. For many of us, it is a way to stay active and get that good old endorphin rush.

🤸 Persuasive Essay Topics on Exercises

• Daily exercise ensures better mental and physical health . Seems obvious, right? Give this sports persuasive essay topic a scientific twist by describing its impacts on physiology.
• The gym is the best place for physical activity .
• Yoga is the best practice for stress-management .
• Children should not be assessed for their physical training at school.
• All children should have a certain level of physical activity a week.
• Companies should let their employees exercise during work hours .
• Everyone should know how to play at least one sport.
• Personal trainers can improve your exercise routine significantly.
• CrossFit is not the healthiest way to exercise .
• Swimming is one of the healthiest workouts.

• At-home workouts are as efficient as gym workouts.
• Exercise rehabilitation is essential for injury recovery.
• Physically active children have more chances to grow into dynamic adults.
• Physical exercise can battle depression.
• Proper stretching activities are essential to prevent injuries.
• Obesity and weight loss are some of the most burning issues in the US .
• Vegetarianism can damage health . Discuss the controversy of vegetarianism as a lifestyle concept.
• Fitness obsession is not that harmful.
• Poor sleeping pattern is one of the most health-damaging factors.
• All restrictive diets are bad for human’s health.
• Health and wellness programs have a positive impact on employees’ performance .
• Excessive salt consumption is hugely harmful.
• It is a myth that gluten can negatively affect one’s health.
• Schools should take better care of children’s nutrition plan.
• Food supplements can’t replace actual vitamin intake.
• Most people who are trying to lose weight approach dieting in the wrong way.
• Nutrition is more important than physical exercise.
• Healthy food should be more affordable.
• Social media plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Diet pills can put your life in danger.

💃 Dance Persuasive Essay Topics

• Dance is more of a sport than an art.
• Zumba is a better workout than pilates and aerobics.
• Hip-hop will never become outdated.
• Ballet schools require one of the most intense physical training.
• Dancing provides physical and mental relaxation .
• Learning how to dance is one of the less obvious confidence boosters.
• Capoeira is an underrated martial art .
• Should dance be included in major sports events like the Olympics?
• The right amount of training can make a good dancer out of anyone.
• Dancing can be as good of a workout as any other sport.

📝 Writing a Persuasive Essay about Sports

Now that you’ve seen the topics let’s talk about writing. Persuasive essays differ from the other academic papers in both the goal and structure. You have to keep in mind that you’re composing not for yourself but for the reader. That’s why you have to present your arguments logically and coherently.

Here are some tips on writing a killer persuasive essay about sports:

• Choose a topic that you can handle. Don’t try to compose a paper on the game that you know nothing about. It’s too tiring and time-consuming. Remember that it takes months for a fan to learn everything about their favorite sport. If you don’t have such years-long passion, focus on the more straightforward aspects of your topic.
• Research beforehand . Even if you’re a sports fan, and especially if you’re not. There are plenty of rules and scandals that you need to consider to sound convincing. Look up some fun facts or entertaining stories. Sports topics usually give you plenty of material to play around with.
• Take notes. The more notes you take while researching, the less work you’ll have to do after. And you won’t have to reread the materials to find that one sports event that you’ve forgotten about. The industry is quite vibrant with exceptional cases. Make sure you keep track of all the information that might be useful.
• Pick the issues to discuss according to the evidence . If you can’t support an argument with enough credible proof, don’t include it in your essay. Both argumentative and persuasive essays require you to stay on top of your argumentation.
• Outline and draft your paper before writing the final version. When you’re writing on recent events, you may get new information at any moment. So, draft before composing. In case you decide to include some new evidence or improve an argument, it won’t be messy. Outlining will help to organize your thoughts comprehensively and concisely.

Thank you for your attention. Share this sport related persuasive essay article with a friend. And don’t be shy to convince everyone your opinion is the right one!

• Good Topics for an Argumentative Essay on Sports: Tasos Vossos, Pen and the Pad
• Essay Structure: Elizabeth Abrams, for the Writing Center at Harvard University
• Writing the Introduction: Monash University
• The Basics of Essay Writing: UNSW Current Students
• English II Persuasive Essay [10th grade]: Brianna Johnson, Trinity University
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
• Online Guide to Writing and Research — UMGC
• Taking Notes from Research Reading: Margaret Procter, Writing Support, University of Toronto
• Basic Guide to Essay Writing: Kathy Livingston
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I read all your articles, I like it a lot I learned a lot about the game. Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful article with us.

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!

Writing Prompts about Baseball

• 🗃️ Essay topics
• ❓ Research questions
• 📝 Topic sentences
• 🪝 Essay hooks
• 📑 Thesis statements
• 🔀 Hypothesis examples
• 🧐 Personal statements

🔗 References

🗃️ baseball essay topics.

• The evolution of baseball from its origins to the modern game.
• The influence of baseball on American culture and society.
• Examining the integration of Major league baseball.
• The rise of women’s baseball leagues and representation in the sport.
• The impact of international players on Major league baseball.
• A look at the history and relevance of baseball as an Olympic sport.
• Baseball invention: the roots of game.
• Trends, innovations, and challenges of baseball in the 21st century.
• Baseball and the civil rights movement.
• The effects and consequences of the steroid era in baseball.
• The economics and financial aspects of baseball.
• Growing popularity and international expansion of baseball.
• The influence of baseball in literature and popular culture.
• The physical and mental benefits of playing baseball.
• Revenue streams and financial structures of baseball.
• Controversies and induction criteria in the baseball’s hall of fame.
• The importance of minor league baseball in developing Major league talent.
• The cultural significance of baseball in American society.
• Baseball’s impact on youth development and community engagement.
• Icons of the architecture of baseball stadiums.
• The role of baseball in breaking racial barriers.

❓ Research Questions on Baseball

• How has the introduction of advanced analytics transformed baseball strategies?
• How does the use of performance-enhancing drugs impact the integrity of baseball?
• What are the physiological demands on a baseball pitcher’s arm?
• How has the evolution of technology influenced performance assessment in baseball?
• What are the effects of different playing surfaces on player performance and injury rates in baseball?
• How does the length of a baseball season impact overall performance?
• How has the globalization of baseball impacted the sport’s popularity?
• What are the economic implications of player contracts and salary structures in professional baseball?
• What are the key factors influencing fan attendance and engagement at baseball games?
• How do the design and configuration of baseball stadiums affect player performance?
• What are the most effective strategies for developing young baseball players?
• What are the social and cultural impacts of baseball in different countries and regions around the world?
• How has the evolution of baseball equipment influenced the game and player performance?
• What are the most effective strategies for preventing and rehabilitating common baseball injuries?
• How does the use of defensive shifts impact offensive strategies and outcomes in baseball?

📝 Baseball Topic Sentence Examples

• Baseball, often referred to as America’s favorite pastime, has a rich history and profound cultural significance that has shaped the nation’s identity and brought communities together for over a century.
• The strategic use of statistics and analytics, commonly known as sabermetrics, has revolutionized the way baseball teams evaluate players, make decisions, and gain a competitive edge in the modern era.
• From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, baseball stadiums have become architectural marvels that not only serve as venues for the sport but also reflect the unique characteristics and traditions of the cities they inhabit.

🪝 Hooks for Baseball Paper

📍 anecdotal hooks about baseball for essay.

• Did you know that in baseball, the odds of hitting a home run are about 1 in 53 at-bats? That means you have a better chance of finding a four-leaf clover than witnessing that thrilling long ball!
• Imagine this: a baseball player stealing second base in less than 3 seconds, reaching a speed of over 30 miles per hour. That’s faster than most Olympic sprinters! Baseball truly showcases the astonishing athleticism and lightning-fast movements of its players.

📍 Statistical Hooks for Essay on Baseball

• With over 2,000 home runs hit in a single season for the first time in history, the 2019 Major League Baseball season showcased the game’s explosive offensive power and raised questions about the role of advanced analytics in shaping strategies on the field.
• Statistical analysis reveals that pitchers who consistently throw strikes early in the count are more likely to succeed, as evidenced by the correlation between low walk rates and high strikeout rates among some of baseball’s most dominant pitchers.

📍 Question Hooks on Baseball for Essay

• What is it about the game of baseball that has captivated generations of fans and transformed it into a beloved national pastime?
• How has baseball managed to evolve and adapt over time, constantly reinventing itself to remain relevant and enthralling to both players and spectators?

📑 Best Baseball Thesis Statements

✔️ argumentative thesis examples on baseball.

• Despite the emergence of other sports and the evolving entertainment landscape, baseball remains an irreplaceable cultural institution that embodies tradition, fosters community, and preserves the essence of America’s sporting heritage.
• The use of technology, such as instant replay and automated strike zones, in professional baseball has improved the accuracy and fairness of officiating decisions, ultimately enhancing the integrity of the game and ensuring a more level playing field for all teams.

✔️ Analytical Thesis on Baseball

• Through a comprehensive analysis of statistical data and player performance, it becomes evident that the implementation of sabermetrics in baseball has not only revolutionized strategies and decision-making processes but has also redefined the value and evaluation of players in the modern era.
• By examining the interplay between socioeconomic factors and player demographics in professional baseball, it becomes clear that the sport still faces significant challenges in achieving true diversity and inclusivity, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address disparities and create equal opportunities for all aspiring athletes.

✔️ Informative Thesis Samples about Baseball

• The history of baseball spans over a century, encompassing significant milestones, iconic players, and transformative moments that have shaped the sport into the beloved national pastime it is today.
• Through the integration of advanced analytics, technology, and innovative strategies, baseball teams have been able to gain a competitive edge, optimize player performance, and enhance the overall quality of the game.

🔀 Baseball Hypothesis Examples

• Increased reliance on advanced analytics in baseball will lead to a higher frequency of defensive shifts employed by teams, resulting in a decrease in batting averages and offensive production.
• Pitchers who consistently throw at higher velocities will have a higher rate of strikeouts but also a higher risk of arm injuries compared to pitchers who prioritize pitch command and control.

🔂 Null & Alternative Hypothesis on Baseball

• Null Hypothesis: There is no significant relationship between a baseball player’s batting average and their on-base percentage.
• Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant relationship between a baseball player’s batting average and their on-base percentage.

🧐 Examples of Personal Statement about Baseball

• As a lifelong baseball enthusiast, the sport has played a pivotal role in shaping my character. Through baseball, I have discovered my passion for competition, the joy of being part of something greater than myself, and the satisfaction that comes from pushing my limits both physically and mentally. It is this unwavering love for baseball that has motivated me to pursue further studies in sports management, with the ultimate goal of making a positive impact in the world of baseball and contributing to the growth and development of the sport.
• As a student and baseball enthusiast, I have always admired the complex intricacies and rich history of the sport. Baseball has shown me that success in any field requires dedication, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt. I am excited to explore the multifaceted aspects of baseball, and I hope to shed light on the intellectual side of the game that often goes unnoticed. By sharing my insights and knowledge, I aim to inspire fellow students to appreciate the intellectual beauty of baseball and its potential for personal and academic growth.
• Women’s Baseball: A Story Not ToldA Story Not Told
• Risk factors associated with throwing injuries in young baseball players
• Youth Single-Sport Specialization in Professional Baseball Players.
• Relationship Between Performance Variables and Baseball Ability in Youth Baseball Players
• Steroids and Major League Baseball

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Ideas on writing an excellent Baseball essay

During your coursework, you might come across an assignment that requires you to write an essay on sports, for instance, a baseball essay . The essay is aimed at describing all that baseball entails in details so that if the reader does not have an idea of what baseball is at the end of your essay he/she will have ideas of how it operates.

Prewriting the essay and points to consider

Therefore, writing the essay requires a lot of description that is also elaborate for the reader to understand easily. The first point is to get them to know what baseball is that is the overview. Baseball is a two-teams game that consists of nine players each making a total of eighteen players. One team which is batting is referred to as the offensive, and the other which is fielding is known as the defensive team. Writing a descriptive essay on baseball can be challenging, but through the following tips, you will manage to write a perfect essay.

• Establish columns that represent the human five senses: a baseball game is an activity, and as a human being there are different sensations that we get to experience by our five senses whether we are playing the game or watching it. Therefore, create a column for sight, taste, scent, touch, and sound that you will write the sensation brought to each sense by baseball. This activity will enable you to have content that will make the reader get that feeling of the game on your essay.
• Review the list: after writing down the list now go back and review the list and choose the best sensation that you feel you will be able to explain fluently in the baseball essay that will be understood and felt by the reader.
• Thesis statement: a thesis statement is essential while writing a descriptive essay. The statement will be used to govern the whole essay. The statement is intended to come at the end of the introductory paragraph, and it will state the purpose of the essay.
• Create a clear outline: the next step is to create an overall outline that will be used in the entire essay. The outline will have each and every paragraph to a specific point that it is going to discuss on. Depending on the level of education that you are writing the essay it will dictate the length of your essay. The length, in turn, will dictate the number of points that you are going to discuss in the essay.

       Actual writing tips

• Structure the essay: start by arranging your essay in a chronological manner that will make sense to the reader. Since you are describing baseball start by introducing the reader to what baseball is. Explain the basics to the reader so that later on in the essay when you begin to go deep into details they will flow with you and not get lost. Make it be relevant reading your essay.
• Introduction: create an introduction paragraph that is elaborate that have a small explanation of what the essay will be discussing and in this case is an essay on baseball. Then at the end of the introduction paragraph make sure you include the thesis statement that will now take govern of what should be discussed in the entire essay.
• Use elaborate sensory details: since the essay is a descriptive one use the best sensory details that will support your thesis statement. In addition, use literary tools to spice up the content in your essays such as metaphors, similes, adjectives, and personification. The reader will be in a position to feel the description that you are trying to create when using the tools and proper description of the senses.
• Topic sentences: the sentences should be clear and straight to the point since they introduce the reader to what you are going to discuss in the remaining part of the paragraph. The topic sentences restrict you from diverting the Therefore, there is no mix up of information in the same paragraph. One topic sentence for each and every paragraph and they should also not divert from the thesis statement provided in the introduction paragraph.
• Conclusion: the conclusion should summarize everything that you have discussed in the essay so as to make the reader once again recap on the information you have shared about baseball.

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How to Write a Non-Cliche College Essay About Sports + Examples

What’s covered:, what makes a sports essay cliche.

• How To Make Your Sports Essay Unique

Great Examples of College Essays About Sports

Where to get your college essay edited for free, or by an expert.

You’ve been brainstorming essay topics for your college applications, and you think you’ve finally found the right one: an extended metaphor likening your experience on the field with overcoming personal struggles. The problem: many other students have this same thought. 

The purpose of a college essay is to make yourself stand out as a unique individual, but when students write about sports, they often blend in. Because of that, students are usually advised to pick a different topic.

That being said, it is possible to write a non-cliche college essay about sports if you put in a little extra effort. Read along to learn how to make your sports essay different from all the other sports essays.

Sports essays are cliche when they follow a standard trajectory. Some of these trajectories include writing a story about:

• An agonizing defeat
• Forging bonds with teammates
• Overcoming adversity
• Overcoming an injury
• Refusing to quit
• Victory during a big game

Because sports essays have very similar themes and “lessons learned,” it can be difficult to make your story stand out. These trajectories also often focus too much on the sport or storyline, and not enough on the writer’s reflections and personality.

As you write your essay, try to think about what your experience says about you rather than what you learned from your experience. You are more than just one lesson you learned!

(Keep in mind that the sports essay is not the only college essay cliche. Learn about other essay cliches and how to fix them in our complete guide).

How to Make Your Sports Essay Unique

1. focus on a specific moment or reflection..

The college essay is a way for students to humanize themselves to admissions officers. You do not feel human if you are describing yourself as just another player on the field!

One important way to make your essay about you (not just about sports) is by focusing on a specific moment in time and inviting the reader to join you in that moment. Explain to the reader what it would be like to be sitting in that locker room as you questioned the values of the other players on your team. Ask your reader to sit with you on the cot in the trainer’s room as your identity was stripped away from you when they said “your body can’t take this anymore.” Bring your reader to the dinner table and involve them in your family’s conversation about how sports were affecting your mental health and your treatment of those around you.

Intense descriptions of a specific experience will evoke emotions in your reader and allow them to connect with you and feel for you.

When in doubt, avoid anything that can be covered by ESPN. On ESPN, we see the games, we see the benches, we even see the locker rooms and training rooms. Take your reader somewhere different and show them something unique.

2. Use sports to point out broader themes in your life.

The main risk when writing about sports is neglecting to write about yourself. Before you get started, think about the main values that you want to express in your sports essay. Sports are simply your avenue for telling the reader what makes you unique. 

As a test, imagine if you were a pianist. Would you be able to talk about these same values? What if you were a writer? Or a chemist? Articulating your values is the end, and sports should simply be your means.

Some values that you might want to focus on:

• Autonomy (you want to be able to set your mind to anything and achieve it on your own)
• Growth (you seek improvement constantly)
• Curiosity (you are willing to try anything once)
• Vulnerability (you aren’t afraid to fail, as long as you give it your all)
• Community (you value the feedback of others and need camaraderie to succeed)
• Craft (you think that with deliberate care, anything can be perfected)
• Responsibility (you believe that you owe something to those around you and perhaps they also owe something to you)

You can use the ESPN check again to make sure that you are using sports as an avenue to show your depth.

Things ESPN covers: how a player reacts to defeat, how injuries affect a player’s gameplay/attitude, how players who don’t normally work well together are working together on their new team.

Things ESPN doesn’t cover: the conversation that a player had with their mother about fear of death before going into a big surgery (value: family and connection), the ways that the intense pressure to succeed consumed a player to the point they couldn’t be there for the people in their life (value: supporting others and community), the body image issues that weigh on a player’s mind when playing their sport and how they overcame those (value: health and growth).

3. Turn a cliche storyline on its head.

There’s no getting around the fact that sports essays are often cliche. But there is a way to confront the cliche head-on. For example, lots of people write essays about the lessons they learned from an injury, victory, and so on, but fewer students explain how they are embracing those lessons. 

Perhaps you learned that competition is overwhelming for you and you prefer teamwork, so you switched from playing basketball to playing Dungeons & Dragons. Maybe, when your softball career ended abruptly, you had to find a new identity and that’s when you became obsessed with your flower garden and decided to pursue botany. Or maybe, you have stuck with football through it all, but your junior-year mental health struggle showed you that football should be fun and you have since started a nonprofit for local children to healthily engage with sports.

If your story itself is more cliche, try bringing readers to the present moment with you and show why the cliche matters and what it did for you. This requires a fair amount of creativity. Ensure you’re not parroting a frequently used topic by really thinking deeply to find your own unique spin.

Night had robbed the academy of its daytime colors, yet there was comfort in the dim lights that cast shadows of our advances against the bare studio walls. Silhouettes of roundhouse kicks, spin crescent kicks, uppercuts and the occasional butterfly kick danced while we sparred. She approached me, eyes narrowed with the trace of a smirk challenging me. “Ready spar!” Her arm began an upward trajectory targeting my shoulder, a common first move. I sidestepped — only to almost collide with another flying fist. Pivoting my right foot, I snapped my left leg, aiming my heel at her midsection. The center judge raised one finger. 

There was no time to celebrate, not in the traditional sense at least. Master Pollard gave a brief command greeted with a unanimous “Yes, sir” and the thud of 20 hands dropping-down-and-giving-him-30, while the “winners” celebrated their victory with laps as usual. 

Three years ago, seven-thirty in the evening meant I was a warrior. It meant standing up straighter, pushing a little harder, “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”, celebrating birthdays by breaking boards, never pointing your toes, and familiarity. Three years later, seven-thirty in the morning meant I was nervous. 

The room is uncomfortably large. The sprung floor soaks up the checkerboard of sunlight piercing through the colonial windows. The mirrored walls further illuminate the studio and I feel the light scrutinizing my sorry attempts at a pas de bourrée, while capturing the organic fluidity of the dancers around me. “Chassé en croix, grand battement, pique, pirouette.” I follow the graceful limbs of the woman in front of me, her legs floating ribbons, as she executes what seems to be a perfect ronds de jambes. Each movement remains a negotiation. With admirable patience, Ms. Tan casts me a sympathetic glance.   

There is no time to wallow in the misery that is my right foot. Taekwondo calls for dorsiflexion; pointed toes are synonymous with broken toes. My thoughts drag me into a flashback of the usual response to this painful mistake: “You might as well grab a tutu and head to the ballet studio next door.” Well, here I am Master Pollard, unfortunately still following your orders to never point my toes, but no longer feeling the satisfaction that comes with being a third degree black belt with 5 years of experience quite literally under her belt. It’s like being a white belt again — just in a leotard and ballet slippers. 

But the appetite for new beginnings that brought me here doesn’t falter. It is only reinforced by the classical rendition of “Dancing Queen” that floods the room and the ghost of familiarity that reassures me that this new beginning does not and will not erase the past. After years spent at the top, it’s hard to start over. But surrendering what you are only leads you to what you may become. In Taekwondo, we started each class reciting the tenets: honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, humility, and knowledge, and I have never felt that I embodied those traits more so than when I started ballet. 

The thing about change is that it eventually stops making things so different. After nine different schools, four different countries, three different continents, fluency in Tamil, Norwegian, and English, there are more blurred lines than there are clear fragments. My life has not been a tactfully executed, gold medal-worthy Taekwondo form with each movement defined, nor has it been a series of frappés performed by a prima ballerina with each extension identical and precise, but thankfully it has been like the dynamics of a spinning back kick, fluid, and like my chances of landing a pirouette, unpredictable. 

Why it works:

What’s especially powerful about this essay is that the author uses detailed imagery to convey a picture of what they’re experiencing, so much so that the reader is along for the ride. This works as a sports essay not only because of the language and sensory details, but also because the writer focuses on a specific moment in time, while at the same time exploring why Taekwondo is such an important part of their life.

After the emotional image is created, the student finishes their essay with valuable reflection. With the reflection, they show admissions officers that they are mature and self-aware. Self-awareness comes through with statements like “surrendering what you are only leads you to what you may become” and maturity can be seen through the student’s discussion of values “honor, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, courage, humility, and knowledge, and I have never felt that I embodied those traits more so than when I started ballet.” These are the kinds of comments that should find their way into a sports essay!

“Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.” Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one. 

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we compete with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

In the beginning, you might think this is another cliche sports essay about overcoming adversity. But instead, it becomes a unique statement and coming-of-age tale that reads as a suspenseful narrative. 

The author connects their experience with martial arts to larger themes in their life but manages to do so without riffing off of tried-and-true themes. Through statements like “I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was” we learn about the students values and their desire to be there for those who depend on them. 

The student also brings it full circle, demonstrating their true transformation. By using the “Same, but Different” ending technique , the student places themself in the same environment that we saw in the intro, but experiences it differently due to their actions throughout the narrative. This is very compelling!

“1…2…3…4 pirouettes! New record!” My friends cheered as I landed my turns. Pleased with my progress, I gazed down at my worn-out pointe shoes. The sweltering blisters, numbing ice-baths, and draining late-night practices did not seem so bad after all. Next goal: five turns.

For as long as I can remember, ballet, in all its finesse and glamor, had kept me driven day to day. As a child, the lithe ballerinas, donning ethereal costumes as they floated across the stage, were my motivation. While others admired Messi and Adele, I idolized Carlos Acosta, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet. 

As I devoted more time and energy towards my craft, I became obsessed with improving my technique. I would stretch for hours after class, forcing my leg one inch higher in an effort to mirror the Dance Magazine cover girls. I injured my feet and ruined pair after pair of pointe shoes, turning on wood, cement, and even grass to improve my balance as I spun. At competitions, the dancers with the 180-degree leg extensions, endless turns, and soaring leaps—the ones who received “Bravos!” from the roaring audience—further pushed me to refine my skills and perfect my form. I believed that, with enough determination, I would one day attain their level of perfection. Reaching the quadruple-pirouette milestone only intensified my desire to accomplish even more. 

My efforts seemed to have come to fruition two summers ago when I was accepted to dance with Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet at their renowned New York City summer intensive. I walked into my first session eager to learn from distinguished ballet masters and worldly dancers, already anticipating my improvement. Yet, as I danced alongside the accomplished ballerinas, I felt out of place. Despite their clean technique and professional training, they did not aim for glorious leg extensions or prodigious leaps. When they performed their turn combinations, most of them only executed two turns as I attempted four. 

“Dancers, double-pirouettes only.” 

Taken aback and confused, I wondered why our teacher expected so little from us. The other ballerinas seemed content, gracing the studio with their simple movements. 

As I grew closer with my Moscow roommates, I gradually learned that their training emphasized the history of the art form instead of stylistic tricks. Rather than show off their physical ability, their performances aimed to convey a story, one that embodied the rich culture of ballet and captured both the legacy of the dancers before them and their own artistry. As I observed my friends more intently in repertoire class, I felt the pain of the grief-stricken white swan from Swan Lake, the sass of the flirtatious Kitri from Don Quijote, and I gradually saw what I had overlooked before. My definition of talent had been molded by crowd-pleasing elements—whirring pirouettes, gravity-defying leaps, and mind-blowing leg extensions. This mindset slowly stripped me from the roots of my passion and my personal connection with ballet. 

With the Bolshoi, I learned to step back and explore the meaning behind each step and the people behind the scenes. Ballet carries history in its movements, from the societal values of the era to each choreographer’s unique flair. As I uncovered the messages behind each pirouette, kick, and jump, my appreciation for ballet grew beyond my obsession with raw athleticism and developed into a love for the art form’s emotive abilities in bridging the dancers with the audience. My journey as an artist has allowed me to see how technical execution is only the means to a greater understanding between dancer and spectator, between storyteller and listener. The elegance and complexity of ballet does not revolve around astonishing stunts but rather the evocative strength and artistry manifested in the dancer, in me. It is the combination of sentiments, history, tradition, and passion that has allowed ballet and its lessons of human connection to become my lifestyle both on and off stage.

This essay is about lessons. While the author is a dancer, this narrative isn’t really about ballet, per se — it’s about the author’s personal growth. It is purposefully reflective as the student shows a nice character arc that begins with an eager young ballerina and ends with a reflection on their past. The primary strength of this essay is the honesty and authenticity that the student approaches it with.

In the end, the student turns a cliche on its head as they embrace the idea of overcoming adversity and demonstrate how the adversity, in this case, was their own stereotypes about their art. It’s beautiful!

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

This essay uses the idea of sports to explore a more profound topic—growing through relationships. They really embrace using sports as an avenue to tell the reader about a specific experience that changed the way they approach the world. 

The emphasis on relationships is why this essay works well and doesn’t fall into a cliche. The narrator grows not because of their experience with track but because of their relationship with their coach, who inspired them to evolve and become a leader.

Have a draft of your college essay? We’re here to help you polish it. Students can participate in a free Peer Review, or they can sign up for a paid review by CollegeVine’s experts. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to start improving your essay and your chances of acceptance!

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The New York Times

The learning network | common core practice | narrative, argumentative and informative writing about baseball.

Common Core Practice | Narrative, Argumentative and Informative Writing About Baseball

Common Core

Teaching ideas based on New York Times content.

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The 2013 major league baseball season began this week, and Sarah Gross, Jonathan Olsen and their New Jersey students — many among them passionate Yankees or Mets fans — couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore America’s pastime for this week’s writing prompts .

Narrative Writing

Sports: “ Don’t Let Your Signed Memories Turn Into a Plot Twist ” Common Core Standards: RI3, RI4, W3, W4, RH4, WHST4, WHST10

You know the plot: the main character has a valuable signed baseball that he, or she, cherishes. And then something happens. Maybe the dog eats it, maybe a child takes it outside in the mud. But the result is always the same — a lost piece of memorabilia and a devastated collector.

Your Task : Compose a one- or two-paragraph scene in which a valuable signed baseball is destroyed. Be sure to use precise words and phrases, telling details and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the events.

Before you do the task, you might…

• Brainstorm a list of ways that a signed baseball might be lost. Try to think of the most humorous ways it might happen.
• Make a list of descriptive words about your setting. Be sure to use precise words and sensory details.
• Find a way to describe why the baseball was so important to its owner. Why was this object cherished?

Extension Activity:

Argumentative Writing Sports: “ Era of Modern Baseball Stats Brings WAR to Booth ” Common Core Standards: RI4, RI5, RI10, W1, W4, RH1, WHST1, WHST4

Statistics like WAR, VORP and B.A.B.I.P. have swept through baseball over the past decade, becoming part of the fabric of the game and an object of growing fascination to its fans, writes the Times sports reporter Steve Eder.

This embrace of cold calculations, known as sabermetrics, is now making its way onto radio broadcasts of baseball games. However, radio broadcasts of games have traditionally featured homespun baseball wisdom and not talk about terms like “ultimate zone rating.” How will this new emphasis on advanced statistics affect baseball broadcasts?

Your Task : Should baseball announcers include more advanced statistics in their broadcasts or stick to the tried-and-true stories from the clubhouse? Include a quote from the article and one classmate’s opinion in your response.

Check out this response from one of our students, Sean K. (And you can read more of Sean’s writing on his blog .)

Ever since I was introduced to Moneyball and Strat-o-matic, I’ve been enchanted with baseball statistics. In the past two decades, the sabermetrics craze has been introduced into nearly every professional baseball club, cementing the sport’s position as the most statistically advanced game in the world, and turned leisurely hobbies like fantasy baseball into global phenomenons. Even with the recent stat explosions, should this complex data make its way to baseball commentary? Baseball is known for its radio legends as much as it is for statistics, with immortal names such as John Sterling, the long-time voice of the Yankees. Says Sterling on the subject, “The more numbers you keep giving to the fans, the more people don’t know what you’re talking about.” Television has readily adopted new sabermetric stats such as WHIP and OPS, and ESPN has a complete love affair with WAR. On the other side, radio has been slower to adopt numbers into play-by-play usually handled by one voice, unlike the multi-commentator crews on national TV. Kyle W., a supporter of tradition, believes that “Americans prefer simplicity and would prefer clubhouse stories.” Simple new stats such as WHIP, OPS, and B.A.B.I.P. would no doubt support intuitive fans and front office staff alike, so long as it’s merely sprinkled here and there. However, this is a much better move for television, which can add a devoted statistician to the crew and insert on-screen graphics. Having interactive television broadcasts or classic radio play-by-play would then give fans the best of both worlds, offering a choice between tradition and the future.

• Go through the article to underline the reasons statistics should be included in the broadcast and circle the reasons stories should be the focus of down time in game broadcasts.
• Using your notes, choose a side and pick one quotation to include in your argument.
• Interview a classmate for his or her take on the topic.
• When writing your argument, be sure to identify who the speakers for both quotations are, and remember to put their words in quotation marks .

Create your own radio show with your friends. RadioLovers.com is a database with hundreds of old radio shows. Check out some of the classics like “Buck Rogers,” Flash Gordon” or Gunsmoke.” Note how the shows introduce characters and use sound effects to help tell a story. Then choose a topic, write a script and perform your show. If you have a computer with a microphone, record your show with a program like GarageBand and add as many sound effects as you can.

Informative Writing

Sports: “ With New Move, Jay-Z Enters a Sports Agent State of Mind ”

Common Core Standards: RI2, RI10, W2, W4, W5, RH2, WHST2, WHST4

Jay-Z has long been in the inner circle of A-listers like Alex Rodriguez and LeBron James, using their names in his lyrics and their star power to enhance his own. Now he is making a move to turn those relationships into big business in a more formal way.

On Tuesday he announced he was opening his own sports agency, and that he was stealing the Yankees star Robinson Cano from the most powerful agent in baseball. Jay-Z is now poised to become one of the most powerful men in sports and music.

Your Task: In a paragraph, summarize this move by Jay-Z from musician to agent. Be sure to include relevant and sufficient facts from the article.

• Plan your essay before you begin to write by organizing your thoughts and any evidence you intend to use.
• Analyze the article to determine the key points that are emphasized by the author. Be sure to incorporate these in your writing.

Choose either the Yankees’ or the Mets’ home opener and imagine if the game had had a different outcome. (As New York baseball fans know, the Yankees lost their home opener while the Mets won.)

Be creative and rewrite the article with the opposite result of what is reported in the newspaper, but writing in the same style used by the Times sports reporters David Waldstein and Andrew Keh. Think of creative but plausible ways for your recap to achieve the new alternate outcome. You can use images from this opening day slide show for inspiration.

Working With Any Day’s Times

Any Day’s Times: Using Our Postcards Activity

Common Core Standards : WHST 9, RI 10

Directions: Postcards, one of the exercises from our Any Day’s Times collection , invites students to choose a New York Times article as a jumping-off point, then write and illustrate postcards they imagine could be sent to or from anyone mentioned in the article. What would that person say? Why? What image would he or she choose for the front of the card?

We can’t help but think of how well that exercise would work with a recent article about baseball history, “Echoes of Ebbets Field as It Turns 100.”

Just a short list of who might write to whom could include:

• Jackie Robinson writing to a friend or relative about his first game.
• A Dodgers fan expressing his feelings to the owner, Walter O’Malley, about the team’s move to Los Angeles from Brooklyn.
• A Dodgers player or fan writing to someone living in the Ebbets Field apartments who doesn’t know or care much about the site’s history.

Whom would you add? What would he or she say? Why? Use evidence from the text to make sure you have the content and tone of your postcard right.

You can do this same exercise with nearly any Times article, of course, but it might work especially well with feature articles like this one that include many characters and points of view.

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The LaGuardia and Wagner Archives at LaGuarda Community College/CUNY published a curriculum on immigration and one of the lessons (see page 30) is about a young Dominican boy and his dreams of playing baseball. //www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/ShowCUNY_Curricula.aspx?CurrLink=FILES_DOC/CURRICULA_FILES/City_of_Immigrants.pdf

I love baseball

I missed Opening Day because I was driving through France. I’m still not home yet but this piece brings me a little closer. Thank you!

(From Montpelier, France)

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The joys of great baseball writing — especially Roger Angell’s

I love baseball. I learned the game by reading about it, as much as by watching it. So I have a special place in my heart for great baseball writing.

Roger Angell in 2015; photo by Karen Green, Flickr user klg19 – Flickr Creative Commons

I still remember the moment I fell in love with Roger Angell —the man Sports Illustrated calls “the best baseball writer in America.” It was early in the 1986 season and our New York Mets (Angell shares my love for the team) were making their scrappy climb “from worst to first,” as the cliché goes. That season saw more than one bench-clearing brawl—the boys had each others’ backs—and, writing in The New Yorker , Angell described it as “their own personal Thermopylae ” (or something like that). Regular readers may remember that I love mixing pop culture references into higher-minded pieces; I love the reverse just as much. Maybe even more, because it so seldom works. But Angell makes it work.

Look, I’m going to be honest here: I don’t care if you’ve never seen a baseball game; I don’t care if you hate all sports with a passion. If you love great writing, you must sample great baseball writing. And if you want great baseball writing, you must read Roger Angell. His 2004 collection Game Time is as good a place as any to start.

His baseball essays in The New Yorker have gotten shorter and less frequent over the years, but he’s still with us, and still writing. The man is much closer to 100 now than to 90 and if you send him a fan letter (as I did a couple of years ago), you’ll get a hand-written thank-you note in return. So he’s not just a great sports writer; he’s a gentleman, too.

Great baseball writing is more than writing about baseball

“Writing well is hard. It requires constant thinking. The gears, flywheels and levers of the mind click and clatter nonstop. Writing is flying an airplane without instruments, almost always through the dark storms of doubt. It is new every time.”

That’s Tom Verducci, waxing eloquent in his 2014 Sports Illustrated tribute to Angell, “The Passion of Roger Angell: The best baseball writer in America is also a fan.” He continues:

“Over the last half-century nobody has written baseball better than Roger Angell of The New Yorker . What he does with words, even today at 93, is what Mays did in centerfield and what Koufax did on the mound. His superior elegance and skill are obvious even to the untrained eye.”

Susan Slusser , who covers the Oakland A’s for the San Francisco Chronicle , nominated Angell for the award that brought him to the Baseball Hall of Fame in the summer of 2014. Why? “He is the best baseball writer in terms of talent, insights, the turning of a phrase, everything.”

Everything .

Slusser added, “I felt very strongly that there should not even be a writers’ exhibit in the Hall without Roger Angell.”

Angell has been a baseball writer as long as the Mets have been a team. William Shawn—it’s obligatory to describe him as the “legendary” editor of The New Yorker —assigned him the baseball beat, saying “We don’t want it to be sentimental, and we don’t want it to be tough.”

Roger Angell, neither sentimental nor tough

At this point I should probably let you read some Roger Angell for yourself, so you can see what “great baseball writing” truly is. Here’s a passage Verducci quoted in the Sports Illustrated tribute. It’s from Angell’s 1975 piece “Agincourt and After” (and behold! another reference to an historical battle):

“It is foolish and childish, on the face of it, to affiliate ourselves with anything so insignificant and patently contrived and commercially exploitative as a professional sports team, and the amused superiority and icy scorn that the non-fan directs at the sports nut (I know this look—I know it by heart) is understandable and almost unanswerable. Almost. What is left out of this calculation, it seems to me, is the business of caring—caring deeply and passionately, really caring —which is a capacity or an emotion that has almost gone out of our lives. And so it seems possible that we have come to a time when it no longer matters so much what the caring is about, how frail or foolish is the object of that concern, as long as the feeling itself can be saved. Naïveté—the infantile and ignoble joy that sends a grown man or woman to dancing and shouting with joy in the middle of the night over the haphazardous flight of a distant ball—seems a small price to pay for such a gift.”

“Dancing and shouting with joy in the middle of the night over the haphazardous flight of a distant ball.” The beauty of that sentence just about brings me to tears. Both as a writer and as a baseball fan.

Your own personal Thermopylae

Mere mortals can’t often write with such style—I can’t imagine any of my corporate clients pulling it off, that’s for sure. But tell me it’s not great baseball writing and you’re in for your own personal Thermopylae, buddy. I’ll have Roger Angell’s back any day, anywhere.

One comment on “ The joys of great baseball writing — especially Roger Angell’s ”

Elaine, thank you for bringing Angell’s beautiful writing into my day. You might just turn me into a baseball fan.

Comments are closed.

Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

• 💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
• 📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
• 💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
• 🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

• 🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

• It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
• It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
• It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
• It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
• It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

• Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
• Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
• Quoteland.com has plenty of brilliant words for all imaginable situations.
• Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

• What could be more important than…?
• What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
• Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
• Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
• Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it? 

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Some good sources for statistics

• Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
• Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
• Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
• Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

Sources to look for reliable facts:

• Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
• Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
• Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
• Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
• National Geographic – needs no introduction.
• Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

• Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
• Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
• Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
• Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
• Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

• First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
• Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
• After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
• Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

• Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
• How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
• Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
• Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
• What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
• How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

73 Essay Hook Examples

An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

• Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
• Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
• Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
• Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
• Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

• Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
• Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
• Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
• Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
• Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
• Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
• Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
• Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
• Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
• Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
• Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
• Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
• Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
• Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
• Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
• Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
• Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

• Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
• Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
• Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
• Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
• Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
• Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
• Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
• Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
• Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
• Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
• Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
• Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
• Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

• Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
• Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
• Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
• Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
• Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
• Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
• Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
• Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
• Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
• Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
• Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
• Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
• Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
• Philosophical Question: “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

• Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
• Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
• Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
• Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
• Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
• Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

• Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
• Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
• Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
• Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
• Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
• Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

• Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
• Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
• Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
• Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
• Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
• Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
• Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
• Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
• Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
• Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 44 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social Exchange Theory: Definition and Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Cognitive Dissonance Examples

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Sports — Baseball

Essays on Baseball

Brief description of baseball.

Baseball is a beloved sport that has been an integral part of American culture for over a century. It is a game of strategy, skill, and teamwork, with a rich history and traditions. Baseball has the power to bring people together and inspire a sense of community and camaraderie.

Importance of Writing Essays on This Topic

Essays on baseball are significant for both academic and personal exploration. They allow students to delve into the history, sociology, and cultural impact of the sport. Additionally, writing about baseball can be a way for individuals to connect with their own experiences and memories related to the game.

Tips on Choosing a Good Topic

• Consider exploring the impact of baseball on American society and culture
• Look into the history and evolution of the sport, including key moments and influential figures
• Explore the psychological and emotional aspects of being a baseball player or fan

Essay Topics

• The Evolution of Baseball Equipment
• The Impact of Baseball on American Culture
• The Role of Race and Ethnicity in Baseball History
• The Psychological Benefits of Playing Baseball
• The Business of Baseball: Major League vs. Minor League
• The Influence of Baseball in Literature and Film
• The Cultural Significance of Baseball Stadiums
• The Debate on Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Baseball
• The Importance of Baseball in Building Community
• The Rise of International Baseball Leagues

Concluding Thought

Exploring baseball through essay writing can be an enriching and rewarding experience. Whether delving into its history, impact on society, or personal connections, there are countless opportunities for critical engagement with this beloved sport.

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How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Table of contents

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there. 

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises. 

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading. 

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement. 

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes. 

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.” 

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates  

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Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job. 

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

• Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title. 
• Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
• Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time. 

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay: 

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."

‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook. 

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions. 

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message. 

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling . 

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on. 

Consider these two examples:

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details. 

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.  

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like. 

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ." 

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech. 

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture. 

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

• Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
• Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme. 

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight. 

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic. 

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.” 

Create a convincing metaphor with AI

Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas. 

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one! 

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you. 

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out 

Your research will help you:

• Narrow your focus
• Build an argument
• Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook. 

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action: After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

• Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
• Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
• Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on. 

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

• For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
• A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
• ‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.  

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction. 

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks 

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line. 

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers. 

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays. 

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King

Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?  

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention." 

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting. 

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read. 

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.

Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook. 

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute. 

College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? 

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? 

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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Essay on Baseball

500+ words essay on  baseball.

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game that two opposing teams play. To put it into simpler words, it is one of the most loved games of America. It is as big as cricket in India. Americans are crazy about this game. Therefore, one might wonder what makes this game such a big hit amongst Americans? This essay will aim to clear that by describing the game.

All About Baseball

There are nine periods of play in a baseball game. Each of these periods is known as an inning. Similarly, when an inning ends, the team with the highest runs becomes the winner. In this game, the pitcher will throw a ball towards the batter who will be playing from the opposing team.

The batter will attempt to hit the ball into the field. When they hit the ball and run around a series of bases, they will score runs. However, this must be done before a field player puts them out.

So, you see that it might look like just any other ball game. It has a ball, bat as well as players. But, the people of America don’t consider it just that. They do not wish to bring this game down to simply as a ‘hit and run’ game.

While a five-year-old child will easily understand the meaning of this game, there also lies a subtlety. This very same subtlety is what attracts older people as well. While some may find it to be slow, Americans believe that the slow pace is what makes it interesting.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Baseball- Not Just a Sport but a Passion

Baseball is not simply a sport for people, especially Americans. It is much more than that, it’s their passion. If people are not watching it live, they’re watching it in pubs or at their homes. The sound of the cracking gloves and ball hitting the bat is like a melody to the fans of the sport .

The game which entertains most people is that has a low score or no score until late in the game. Moreover, the homerun is one of the most anticipated events of the match. The home run is not simply about the great hit but also the speedy running and sacrifice.

In other words, this game gives an adrenalin rush to Americans. You can view it as an opera. The buildup is quite systematic that will occupy you till the very end. The climax is the ultimate reward which is incomplete without a slow buildup.

Alternatively, it is also about strategy. For a lot of Americans, it is a tradition. People spend time with their loved ones at baseball games. Kids look forward to going to the games with their fathers .

Moreover, it also has the ability to bring an end to long-time rivalries. All in all, it’s about the great feeling it brings for one and all. Baseball got its community status from Americans only. Thus, it went on to achieve a national identity.

Everything ranging from baseball caps to tee shirts is a common sighting in America. In New York, there is a Baseball Hall of Fame that is known for immortalizing the great players of the game from the past to the present.

Thus, the game is all about passion. It can make a passerby standstill on their feet to watch the homerun. Similarly, it can diminish rivalries and bring people together. It is a passionate game with passionate fans.

FAQ on Essay on Baseball

Question 1: Where is Baseball most popular?

Answer 1: Baseball has the most popularity in the United States. The people are ardent lovers of the game in America and have made it a popular game.

Question 2: Baseball is the national game of which country?

Answer 2: It is the national game of the Dominican Republic.

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Regional finals at whataburger field.

Battling for a bid to the 3A state tournament, Falfurrias and London clash Thursday, May 30 & Saturday, June 1 at Whataburger Field. Fal is in the third-base dugout for Thursday's 7 PM first pitch. For the 5:05 start on Saturday, London will occupy the third-base dugout, with Game 3 immediately following if necessary. In Class 4A action, Calallen hosts Boerne on Friday, May 31. First pitch is 7 PM, with the Wildcats in the home dugout on the third-base side.

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The RockHounds employed a strong start by Gunnar Hoglund and a six-run fifth inning to knock off the Hooks, 12-2, before 3,155 fans in Tuesday night's series opener at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Jordan Brewer, who cracked a two-out RBI double in the 8th inning, is now tied for 3rd in the Texas League with 12 two-baggers.

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The Blue Ghosts scored seven times in the eighth inning Sunday night, setting the stage for an 8-7 walk-off win over Arkansas before 5,101 fans at Whataburger Field. Jordan Brewer, who knocked in two of the runs in Corpus Christi's big eighth, is hitting .303 this month.

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MLB Trade Rumors

Guardians Release Ramón Laureano

By Darragh McDonald | May 27, 2024 at 2:10pm CDT

The Guardians have released outfielder Ramón Laureano , according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He’ll now head to the open market and will be free to explore opportunities with all clubs.

This was the most likely outcome when the Guardians designated Laureano for assignment last week. The outfielder’s production has been trending down for a few years now and is at an especially low point this year. The 29-year-old has hit .143/.265/.229 thus far in 2024 while striking out 38.6% of the time.

On top of his poor performance, his salary has been creeping up gradually via the arbitration process. He’s making $5.15MM this year and any team acquiring him via a waiver claim or trade would have been taking on that money. It’s unsurprising that no club wanted to take that on, given how he has been playing of late. He has more than five years of service time, meaning he can reject an outright assignment while also keeping that salary in place.

Now that he is a free agent, teams may be interested in a low-cost flier. Since he’s now been released, the Guardians are on the hook for what’s left of the money, meaning that any club that signs him would only be responsible for the prorated league minimum for any time spent on the roster. That amount would be subtracted from what the Guards pay.

It’s been a few years now, but Laureano was once a solid regular for the Athletics. From 2018 to 2021, he stepped to the plate 1,257 times for the A’s and hit 49 home runs. His .263/.335/.465 batting line translated to a wRC+ of 119, indicating he was 19% above league average in that time. He also stole 34 bases and was generally given strong defensive grades, leading FanGraphs to credit him with 8.6 wins above replacement in 313 games.

But towards the end of that 2021 season, he was given an 80-game PED suspension and his performance has been tailing off since then. He hit .211/.287/.376 in 2022 for a wRC+ of 95 and his offense slipped a bit farther in 2023. The A’s designated him for assignment in August of last year and the Guards put in a claim.

Moving to Cleveland seemed to spur a bit of a bounceback, as Laureano slashed .243/.342/.382 for a wRC+ of 106 down the stretch. That apparently intrigued the Guards enough that they tendered him a contract, agreeing to the aforementioned $5.15MM salary. But he has fallen off dramatically and now finds himself looking for his next opportunity.

As mentioned, Laureano can be signed to a major league roster at essentially no cost. Perhaps some club would give him a spot and see if he can play well enough over the next two months to be flipped for a lottery ticket prospect. Or even if no club is willing to bite on that, he should at least be able to find a minor league deal somewhere.

28 Comments

“The trojan toss” needs to be KILLED.

Guys…guys….no one cares

24 hours ago

This is the second Guardians thread in a row where someone has said another poster should be k*lled, what is wrong with you guys

Hello Braves?

AA is playing 3D Jenga.

isn’t Jenga always 3D?

Yeah, I’ve already used 3D Frogger.

“A.A is playing 3D Jenga”……After the Chris Sale acquisition and extension; it’s more like A.A is playing time traveling, 5D, multiple dimensional chess and everyone else is playing single dimensional checkers.

8D canasta?

23 hours ago

= my new band name…

I find it odd how many players get popped for steroids and their play doesn’t decline. But this looks like he needed them to perform at the highest level.

“Popped for steroids…Play doesn’t decline”….What players are you looking at?…Virtually every player I’ve ever seen(at Major League level)get popped for PEDs has had his play decline rather noticeably afterwards. Players like Ramon Laureano, Fernando Tatis, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez etc…There IS a reason players take the PEDs in the first place you know.

6 hours ago

tatis’s play didn’t decline LMAO, besides he was injured….of course his plays going to decline….besides, a’rods play declined because of age, not roids…..same thing with Manny lol…

At least one these guys will become a Brave

Ross Atkins needs to have an epiphany that Davis Schneider is not a LF and needs to get on the phone to Ramon’s agent.

3 hours ago

No, the Jays cannot use Ramon, that would be another Atkin’s gaffe.

2 hours ago

I though I had you muted. My mistake.

Semi pro softball league in his future

Rent a player for Atlanta. Will be same outcome as Wendle once they get a better OF. Thought Zach was getting the short end but guess he’s a better fielder than Wendle.

Ramon was great while with the A’s. One day the PDFs stuff came out – aka Bonds, Canseco, McGuire at all – and well the master of all jack trades Oakland’s Billy Beane and his top lieutenant Dave Forst pulled the plug on Laureano just like that…

“PDFs stuff came out”…MLB had to take a stand and come down hard on Laureano. Baseball can’t have players using PDF format files. It’s unforgivable. Especially when there’s other formats they can use for their files.

Oakland had to let him go because Ramon was converting all of the a’s files into PDFs and Ramon said he didn’t know what a PDF is, he committed 2 cardinal sins in the Oakland organization

He really benefited from the live ball year in 2019. Then went towards the roids to try to get similar offensive numbers. Probably was just an elite defensive player all along. You have to question the arm as well now. Had some people fooled for a while for sure. I was one.

You knew all along right ?

21 hours ago

Skills disappear so fast for some players. Makes one appreciate the skills of players who perform year after year that much more.

19 hours ago

Bench guy for the Braves???

15 hours ago

Release the hound

Wow, quite the fall from grace. I guess Roids created this guy. Its kinda obvious there is a problem. I doubt anyone will touch him for the big leagues.

That kind of drop off….Ryan Braun, Robinson Cano, Chris Davis, Brady Anderson, Chris Collabello, Dee Gordon, on and on….Steroids work.

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Inside Edition (Video)

Baseball Fan Beaned by Foul Ball Gets Her Own Topps Card

Posted: May 24, 2024 | Last updated: May 24, 2024

Baseball fan Liz McGuire is sporting one heck of a black eye, after getting beaned by a foul ball at a Toronto Blue Jays game. The ball, traveling at 110 miles per hour, hit Liz in the head. She shared a photo of herself after the incident with a huge goose egg on her forehead. Liz reached out to the Blue Jays on social media, writing “I got my face mashed in,” and adding, “I didn’t even get the ball! Any way you can hook a girl up?”

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When Roller-Skating Nuns Came to the Opera House

The choreographer Florentina Holzinger’s shows feature circus performers and abundant nudity. Now, she’s bringing her experimental approach to opera.

By Ben Miller

Reporting from Schwerin, Germany

In a rehearsal last week at the Mecklenburg State Theater in Schwerin, northeastern Germany, Fleshpiece, a shirtless performer with tattoos and purple hair, strode to the front of the main stage and delivered an impassioned monologue.

“This opera house, this is our church,” Fleshpiece intoned. “We continue to nail you to the present, just as Jesus was nailed to the cross.”

Supervising the scene was the experimental choreographer Florentina Holzinger, wearing a black baseball cap and a T-shirt printed with a picture of two nuns engaged in B.D.S.M. play.

Her previous works, including “ Ophelia’s Got Talent ” at the Volksbühne in Berlin and “ A Divine Comedy ” for the Rührtriennale festival, were boundary-pushing, peripatetic shows in which nudity, profanity, onstage helicopters, onstage ejaculation and performers hanging from their teeth have shocked and awed audiences. “Ophelia’s Got Talent” jointly won Germany’s Faust prize for best dance production last year, cementing Holzinger’s status as one of Europe’s rising theater stars.

In the German-speaking world, that kind of profile brings invitations to direct opera — and Holzinger’s work, which matches music with powerful, stage-filling spectacle, certainly has operatic qualities. Yet a gilded opera theater still seems an unlikely home for Holzinger, 38, whose anarchic works are collaged from new and old text and music, often with sharply contrasting styles.

For her next piece, which premieres at the Mecklenburg State Theater on Thursday, before moving to the Wiener Festwochen festival in Vienna from June 10, Holzinger is trying something different and staging an existing opera, Paul Hindemith’s one-act “Sancta Susanna.” She has expanded the piece into an extravaganza called “SANCTA,” featuring a skate ramp, a climbing wall and an industrial robot arm on which a dancer performs aerial choreography. As usual for a Holzinger show, there is abundant nudity and profanity.

“I wanted to make sure that we are not stuck in the corset of an opera,” Holzinger said in an interview, though she added that her earlier shows weren’t so different from Hindemith’s hair-raising 25-minute piece. “If you can dig ‘Sancta Susanna,’” she said, “then you can dig my work.”

The opera — in which a nun called Susanna has erotic fantasies about Christ on the cross and which ends with her stripping off her habit and Christ’s loincloth — is the third in a trilogy of one-act pieces in which Hindemith pushed the boundaries of his day. Written in Hindemith’s early, expressionist style, the score escalates from a delicate opening to a finale with thundering brass chords as the other nuns in Susanna’s convent denounce her as a Satanist.

For “SANCTA,” the opera’s three singers will be joined by some of Holzinger’s regular collaborators, including roller skaters, a sword swallower and performers who hang from hooks embedded in their skin. At the end of the Hindemith piece, the show proceeds without a break into a kind of staged mass, with music from settings of the Latin liturgy by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Byrd and Gounod, plus new music by the Austrian composers Johanna Doderer and James Grabsch, whose artist name is Born in Flamez.

Holzinger, who grew up in Austria, which is predominantly Roman Catholic, said the piece was her first explicit reckoning with the church. “Only now, in reflection, do I realize how much that Catholic imprint is inherent in my upbringing,” she said, adding that the church fit well with some of her shows’ previous topics: “women, sex, the devil.”

These themes still have the power to shock, especially in a part of Germany where a far-right political party currently leads in opinion polls . Cornelia Zink, who plays Susanna, said she had heard some comments about her participation in the project. “Colleagues said, ‘If you were my girlfriend, you wouldn’t be doing this,’” she said.

“I think it comes from a place where people, mostly men, have a deep fear of strong women,” she added. “I think, socially, it’s scarier for a woman to be naked onstage expressing power. A woman being suppressed and sexually abused is OK.”

The production has a mostly female cast and creative team — a rarity in opera, where most directors, and especially conductors, are men. Marit Strindlund, who will lead the musicians for the production, said that this gave the piece an important edge.

“In opera, we struggle with how females are represented onstage,” she said, listing off repertory staples like “Carmen” and “La Traviata,” in which the heroines are seducers or victims of male violence. “Even in contemporary opera, we don’t always succeed in creating really interesting female roles. This piece shows women in many ways, as human beings.”

Andrea Baker, who plays Sister Klementia, an older nun, said “SANCTA” had “a feminist gaze — not a female gaze, because we have trans and nonbinary people in our troupe.”

That gaze, she said, is what made the nudity in this piece special. “I have spent a lot of time onstage naked. But it was from a male, often straight, voyeuristic vision.

“And that is completely different from a feminist, inclusive vision of what it means to be a woman,” she added. “In this space, no one is other.”

Stepping Into the World of Dance

As Ballet Tech, a tuition-free public school in New York City, prepares for its Joyce season, Dionne Figgins teaches the students  to see the big picture of their art form.

Tamara Rojo, the San Francisco Ballet company’s new artistic director, has a vision of ballet as for the people — all the people — with dances that reflect our world .

A couple with deep ties to the popular Brooklyn festival DanceAfrica and its founder and longtime artistic director, Chuck Davis, recall when their wedding  was part of the show.

The Gamelan Dharma Swara ensemble, which plays traditional and contemporary Balinese music, nearly dissolved during the pandemic. Reborn, it will perform a piece created for its members .

As Black roller skaters from around the country bring their styles to Atlanta, some locals look for space to preserve the moves the city  is known for.

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• Baseball history unpacked, May 24

A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Jon Lieber throws a shutout and other stories.

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On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bleed Cubbie Blue is pleased to present a light-hearted, Cubs -centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of the lore and various narratives to follow as they unfold over the course of time. Here’s a handy Cubs timeline , to help you follow along.

“Maybe I called it wrong, but it’s official.” — Tom Connolly .

Today in baseball history:

• 1884 - Against Pittsburgh ‚ Philadelphia Athletics P Al Atkinson hits the leadoff batter‚ Ed Swartwood ‚ who steals second base‚ takes third base on a putout‚ and scores on a passed ball . But Atkinson sets down the next 27 Alleghenies for a near-perfect‚ no-hit , 10-1 win. (2)
• 1898 - The highest run total of the season is scored in a 15-13 Oriole defeat of the Orphans in Chicago. The pitchers yield 36 hits‚ ten walks‚ two wild pitches‚ and three hit batsmen. Pitcher Clark Griffith of Chicago‚ ejected from the game‚ spews obscene language at umpire Tom Lynch ‚ who threatens him with the Board of Discipline. Sporting Life notes “the only witness appears to be catcher Frank Bowerman of Baltimore‚ who is hardly likely to testify against Griffith.” (2)
• 1906 - The Cubs overcome a 5-2 Giants lead to tie the game at 5-5‚ but a Johnny Evers error in the eighth gives New York a 6-5 win. Christy Mathewson ‚ who pitches just 2⅓ innings, is credited with the win‚ since he left the game with the Giants ahead. Hooks Wiltse pitches the last 7⅓ innings. By taking three out of four in Chicago‚ the Giants increase their hold on first place. (2)
• 1909 - At Brooklyn‚ the Cubs beat the Superbas ‚ 4-3‚ on Solly Hofman ’s inside-the-park homer in the 11th inning. Brooklyn CF Tom Catterson attempts a shoestring catch on the liner but misses. (2)
• 1928 - In the first game of a doubleheader in Philadelphia , a record 12 future Hall of Famers play in the Yankees’ 9-7 victory over the Athletics . This number does not include non-playing Hall of Famers Herb Pennock and Stan Coveleski , managers Miller Huggins and Connie Mack , nor umpire Tom Connolly . (1,2)
• 1935 - The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies in the first major league night game , winning, 2-1, before 25,000 fans. On the initiative of Larry MacPhail , US President Franklin D. Roosevelt throws the switch at the White House to turn on the lights. The Reds will play seven night games, one against each of the other National League teams. The Phils’ Lou Chiozza is the first batter as the Reds’ Paul Derringer outduels Joe Bowman ‚ though the Reds are outhit‚ 6 to 4. (1,2)
• 1952 - Jimmy Piersall and New York’s Billy Martin first exchange insults before a game in Boston ‚ then exchange punches in the tunnel under the stands. It takes coaches Bill Dickey and Oscar Melillo ‚ along with starter Ellis Kinder ‚ to break up the fight. Piersall goes to the clubhouse to change his bloody shirt and gets into another brawl with teammate Mickey McDermott . He sits as Kinder stops the Yanks‚ 5-2. (2)
• 1957 - In his first two major league at-bats‚ Cubs rookie Frank Ernaga hits a solo home run in the 2nd inning and follows with a run-scoring triple in the 4th‚ both against Warren Spahn . The Cubs beat the Braves , 5-1, at Wrigley Field . Ernaga is the second National League rookie to debut with a triple and homer; he will add just one more homer to his major league career total. (2)
• 1964 - Cubs speedster Lou Brock steals home for the first time‚ combining with Billy Williams on a double steal in the 1st inning of the first game of a doubleheader at Cincinnati. But the Reds win both games‚ 6-5 and 12-4. (2)
• 1969 - Padres rookie 2B John Sipin debuts with a pair of triples ‚ only the fourth player to do so‚ in a 7-5 San Diego loss to the Cubs . They are the only triples of his 68-game career. Sipin bangs his three-baggers in the 1st and 4th innings‚ off Ken Holtzman . (2)
• 1970 - With the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field ‚ the Pirates come from four runs down to defeat the Cubs ‚ 13-6. Willie Stargell has three homers and just misses a fourth when his drive bounces off the bleacher railing for a double. Willie adds a single for 15 total bases as he drives in seven runs. (2)
• 1978 - The Cubs take over first place with a 6-4, come-from-behind win over the Phillies . Dave Rader ’s two-run triple ties the game in the eighth and Manny Trillo ’s two-run homer in the 10th wins it. (2)
• 1984 - Jack Morris leads the Detroit Tigers to their 17th straight road win, setting an American League record, set by the 1912 Senators, and tying the major league mark set by the 1916 Giants. Morris allows four hits and Detroit beats the California Angels , 5-1. Morris allows four hits in nine innings to win‚ and he is backed by homers from Lance Parrish and Alan Trammell . The Tigers will finally lose tomorrow in Seattle ‚ 7-3.
• 1988 - The Chicago Cubs play a daytime doubleheader at Wrigley Field . The Chicago White Sox play a night game at Comiskey Park marking a rare opportunity to see three non-overlapping major league games in Chicago on the same day. (2)
• 2001 - Jon Lieber * of the Chicago Cubs throws a 79-pitch, one-hit shutout in a 3-0 blanking of the Cincinnati Reds . It is the first shutout of the Reds in a National League -record 208 games. (2)

Cubs Birthdays: George Flynn , Jack Pfiester , Al Shealy .

Today in History:

• 1689 - English Parliament guarantees freedom of religion for Protestants.
• 1755 - Smuggler Louis Mandrin, considered the French Robin Hood, is sentenced to be broken on the wheel, a medieval form of torture and execution that breaks the bones of the subject.
• 1822 - Battle of Pichincha, Simón Bolívar secures the independence of Ecuador from Spain.
• 1844 - Samuel Morse taps out “What hath God wrought” in the world’s first telegraph message.
• 1894 - Lowell Observatory, Arizona, first begins observations of Mars with an eighteen-inch telescope, leads its builder Percival Lowell to conclude there are canals on Mars.
• 1962 - US astronaut Scott Carpenter aboard Aurora 7 (Mercury-Atlas 7) orbits the Earth three times in a flight just under five hours.

Common sources:

• (1) — Today in Baseball History .
• (2) — Baseball Reference .
• (3) — Society for American Baseball Research .
• (4) — Baseball Hall of Fame .
• (5) — This Day in Chicago Cubs history .
• For world history .

Some of these items spread from site to site without being verified. That is exactly why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. We are trying to set the record as straight as possible. But it isn’t brain surgery.

Also, the ‘history’ segment is highly edited for space and interest. Of course a great many other things happened on those days. We try to follow up on the interesting or unfamiliar ones.

And everything is subject to editorial oui.

Thanks for reading.

In This Stream

Baseball history unpacked.

• Baseball history unpacked, May 27
• Baseball history unpacked, May 22

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Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

The giancarlo stanton paradox.

• May 28, 2024

Jack Rotolo

After a career-worst year last season, Giancarlo Stanton seems to be back on track in 2024. However, things aren’t as great as they seem. Yes, Stanton has mashed 13 homers so far this season, but that doesn’t dispel perhaps one of the worst contracts in Major League Baseball. The Yankees must answer some vital questions concerning their full-time designated hitter.

What’s Left on Stanton’s Contract?

Stanton is under team control through 2027, meaning he has three seasons left after 2024. From 2024-25, Stanton is owed a monstrous $64 million, with another $34 million over the final two years (26′-27′). Thankfully for the Yankees, they are “off the hook” for those last two years thanks to the Marlins, who are paying the remainder of Stanton’s salary.

The question, however, is not if the Yankees will cut Stanton before the end of his deal. It is simply a matter of when. It will likely be after Hal Steinbrenner has seen enough mediocre play from one of the Yankees’ biggest liabilities.

But Stanton’s play has not been mediocre this season. Sure, he is by no means playing at an All-Star level. But what matters for Stanton is that he is consistently doing what he does best: putting the ball out of the park. Unfortunately for the Yankees, his on-field play adds to their off-field dilemma.

Will Stanton See Consistent Playing Time?

The answer is, well, maybe. If he keeps hitting home runs the way he has, Aaron Boone and Co. have no choice but to let him play. After all, paying a guy $32 million to sit on the bench would be a huge financial waste. But if Stanton struggles, the Yankees might just bite the bullet and sit him (especially if Jasson Dominguez returns and plays well).

Giancarlo Stanton in 2024: 115 OPS+ .764 OPS 9 HRs 22 RBIs If the Yankees get this level of production from Stanton all year, the lineup is gonna be a nightmare for opposing pitchers pic.twitter.com/qxQKz62mO9 — Mike Salvatore (@MikeSalvatore10) May 16, 2024

The man has a .235/.283/.497 slash line, which is by no means terrible but is horrendous considering how much money is being put into the guy behind those numbers. It might be a little different if Stanton could still play defense and run the bases. But he has had seven lower-body injuries since coming to New York, so the guy who used to be close to a five-tool player is certainly not coming back.

Many factors go into why a player gets put into the lineup. For Stanton, however, the undeniable number one factor is money. If he keeps up his current production level, he could remain a viable asset to one of baseball’s best lineups .

The Last Word

These next few years are key to his future in the Bronx. The Yankees have already mentioned cutting down on players’ salaries , so that only narrows the Yankees’ options. But whether they like it or not, 2024 is the year, and Giancarlo Stanton is along for the ride.

Main Photo Credits: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports

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'just as good, if not better': how central college's colton derocher defies odds in baseball.

Pella, Iowa —  Colton DeRocher has built a life of solving the unsolvable, yet there's still one nagging question he can't answer.             Why baseball?             There are easier pursuits to tackle with only one fully formed hand.             "I'd ask my parents when I got older, how did I gravitate towards baseball?," said DeRocher, a Central College senior right fielder from Sioux City. "My mother wasn't really even an athlete and my dad raced motocross, so it wasn't really a traditional sports family."             There was no reason to envision a future as a record-setting hitter for the Dutch, or selection to the Louisville Slugger Warriors, a nationally sponsored amputee baseball team, where his story will be shared in an upcoming documentary. Yet his fascination with the sport extends beyond his memory. He's told he was well-equipped with the usual assortment of toddler toys, yet only wanted to play with a small ball.             "I was infatuated with it," he said. "So apparently my grandpa spent all day once hunting down a glove, because a lefty glove is harder to find, especially for little kids. But he scavenged through the town of Sioux City and found one. After that, there was no separation. And then it was 'Sandlot' on 24/7."             No "Sponge Bob" or "Barney & Friends" for DeRocher. "The Sandlot" was a 1993 baseball-themed coming-of-age film that provided the soundtrack to DeRocher's childhood.             "My dad can recite the whole movie just because I had it on all the time," DeRocher said. "Apparently, I was annoying family members because if I had 'Sandlot' on I was ok, otherwise I'd find somebody in the house to pitch to until they got tired and then I'd find somebody new and drag them out in the backyard. So, when everybody wanted a break, they'd put on 'Sandlot.'"             DeRocher was born with a congenital defect on his left hand and a fierce determination to prove he belongs. That determination sometimes morphs into defiance, shaped less by what's missing from his hand than the extra chip on his shoulder. It's as though DeRocher innately chose baseball not in spite of it being among the most difficult sports to play with one hand but because of it. One could envision DeRocher being told he couldn't play catch with other toddlers and responding with a steely glare: "Hold my orange juice."             "Even from a young age, I had the stubbornness of disliking not being able to do things that other people could do," he said. "So then for me it was like, I want to figure it out and be just as good, if not better. It was never, 'Dang, that's so easy for them, why can't I do that?' It was more find my own process to get it done."

Watch DeRocher use his teeth in tugging a batting glove onto his right hand and it's evident that figure it out remains his mentality. And it works.             It's led him to the brink of setting Central's career home runs record. Since transferring to Central prior to the 2022 season, he has posted a career .368 batting mark through April 18, with a team-best 23 home runs and 116 RBIs while committing just six fielding errors in 102 games. He's one long ball away from tying Rick Hassman's school career home runs record of 24 (1986-89). A two-time all-region and first-team all-conference pick, DeRocher was named Central's team MVP last season. He's tied school records for most hits (5) and RBIs (6) in a game. His 50 RBIs in 2022 rank second on Central's all-time list. He's homered twice in a game three times.             Just as good, if not better.             Spikes crossing the white lines on the baseball field are DeRocher's entry into a world where he stands out not because of his disability but because of his ability, a phrase he first read around age 12 that became imprinted on his brain and is now tattooed onto his right arm. He firmly refused to let his story be told until, in his mind, he'd done enough on the field to prove it was warranted.             "I prefer just being a good baseball player rather than the player with one hand," DeRocher said. "It's one area where I can blend in to a certain extent instead of, like, 'Oh, he's got this wrong with him.' To the naked eye, unless you're looking for it, you more than likely won't notice unless you see me during my glove transition (from catching to throwing) in the outfield or you happen to catch a glimpse as I'm walking up to hit. It's kind of my time to feel normal."             As coach Adam Carey, then an assistant, first studied the video, he didn't notice immediately, either. Casey Klunder, then Central's head coach, got a call from a colleague who had DeRocher on his squad at a college in Nebraska as a freshman, but didn't have room for him in the starting lineup. He recommended the Dutch take a look at him.             "He called us and said we have an outfielder who deserves to be on the field more," Carey said. "He's too good to sit on the bench.             "We took a look at his film and said, 'Wow, that's a great swing." After about the third swing we said, 'Wait, that guy's got one hand.' We called the coach and said, 'Hey, you didn't tell us this guy's got one hand.'             "He said, 'Take a look at his swing. Does it matter?' We're like, 'No, you're right.'"             Carey said he was an immediate fit for the Dutch.             "He's been a great member of the program and leader since the day he got here," Carey said.             Any impulse DeRocher had for self-pity was erased following a third-grade basketball practice when a coach instructed the players to practice dribbling with their left hand. That triggered a teary-eyed response from DeRocher.             "I came back to my car and was feeling sorry for myself," he said. "And then my dad got into me a little bit saying, 'If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will. You've got to prove it to yourself first and then everybody else will follow.'"             It's a moment DeRocher references frequently.                                                                     "If you're not going to tackle an obstacle thinking you can get it done, than more than likely, you're not going to be able to get it done," DeRocher said. "You have to say, 'I'm going to tackle this. I'm going to find a way.'"

🏆  2024 DIII baseball championship: Bracket, schedule, scores             It can be a lonely struggle for a young boy but DeRocher occasionally found others who understood. As a youth, he met former Major League pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born with one hand.             "We talked about how he held his glove when he pitched," DeRocher said. "It was very eye-opening and a great feeling seeing somebody else with literally the same disability on that big of a platform throwing no-hitters.             "But in a stubborn way, I always knew I didn't want to be a pitcher. It's cool and I admire him. But I wanted to find my own avenue on the hitting side."             DeRocher was growing convinced he could play. To reinforce the message, his father produced signs with the word "Believe" and placed them strategically around the house.             "It was hanging up in the kitchen, it was hung up on the top of the stairs when I'd come up to my room, my dad kind of put it everywhere to throw it in my face," DeRocher said. Eventually, DeRocher had the word tattooed on his chest.             "You have to be fully bought in that I'm going to attack this, I'm going to find a way and I'm going to get it done," he said. "And if you think, oh well, they don't believe in me so I can't do it, you're not going to get it done.             DeRocher discovered that one path to instant credibility in a two-handed world is to hit home runs, and he has a rare gift for doing that. Still, going to youth baseball showcases where players flash their skills in hopes of impressing coaches was initially intimidating.             "If it was an invitation-only showcase, a lot of times people thought I was a pity invite and I'm showing up with a bunch of kids I don't know," he said. "And, of course, nobody wants to play catch with me and, experiencing that, you're 14, 15 or 16 and you're already nervous and then you have to deal with that. But luckily you always start off with batting practice and after I put a couple balls over the fence, everything quickly changes. Everyone's like, 'Dude, I'm not going to lie. I thought you're just kind of here to boost your spirits.' So that was always rewarding when you got that recognition from players you've never played with."             After starring at Sioux City East High School, then playing in Nebraska, DeRocher's bat earned him a reputation by the time he arrived at Central. But there was still awkwardness when first meeting his Dutch teammates.             "There's definitely some hesitancy and it's kind of intimidating because you never know how they're going to react," DeRocher said. "If someone is curious, I'm glad to answer any questions about it. Obviously, if someone was making fun of it, I may bark a little bit. But coming in here, the coach had already given everybody a decent idea. Everybody's just more curious what it actually looks like, not, 'Can he even do this?'"             In DeRocher, Carey initially saw a player in protection mode.             "When he came in, he was in a little circle with tall walls," Carey said. "He'd let people in once they show him that they can be trusted. And now he's become a lot more open. He's always looking for a reason to help somebody. And that's something I did not expect out of him when he got here two years ago. Seeing that growth has been awesome."             Carey has seen DeRocher's confidence rise as his batting average did.  After only seeking acceptance, he grew to command respect.             "Now, it's 'I've got an advantage,'" Carey said. "'I've got more bat speed, my bat is whippy, I can do as much and probably more than most of you.' And that makes the guys around him better, too. That's a characteristic that he has that I think gets overlooked. What he does to make the people around him better, that's what truly great competitors and leaders do."             And Carey values DeRocher's leadership as much as his bat.                                               "His style of leadership is not the type where he's going to bring the whole team in and say, 'Hey, we've got to do this,'" Carey said. "His style is he sees you doing something the wrong way, he's going to put his arm around you and say, 'Tell me your thought process behind this.' Or, 'OK. I see you're frustrated here.' He's got a freshman on the team that he's working with always. And if he's struggling with something, Colton will walk up to him and say, 'Walk me through your at-bat.' And he'll help him with his approach and with his mindset within that approach. He's going to be a really successful coach if he chooses to be one."             But it was the playing ability that generated the opportunity with the Louisville Slugger Warriors. Taking on Vassar College (N.Y.) in a spring-break game in Florida last year, DeRocher homered off Michael Came, also a pitcher on the Warriors who wears a prosthetic leg.             "After the game, the kid walked up to him with the ball, pulled his pant leg up and said, 'Hey, nice hit,'" Carey said. "They took a picture together and got to know each other a little bit and I think that one interaction really changed his life, in a way. It gave him that opportunity to join the Louisville Slugger team. And it helped him realize he's not alone in this. He's not the only person with exceptionalities playing at our level. So that opened his eyes a ton. And I think those things made him more open to talking about it."             DeRocher joined the squad in July for a pair of games in Burlington, Vermont and in September in Las Vegas.             Louisville Slugger Warriors general manager David Van Sleet worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs on prosthetics for 30 years and started the team after he retired.  The coaching staff includes former professional players including head coach Curtis Pride, who was born deaf and played 11 seasons in the major leagues. The team includes military veterans, active duty personnel and current and former amputee college baseball players. The current team has six military veterans who lost limbs in combat while other team members have birth defects and were in accidents.             "That's the first time I went to a group of dudes who are all on the same level, whether it's with amputations, birth defects or whatever," DeRocher said. "It's a humbling experience because I'm playing with a dude who lost his leg because it got blown off by a bomb. And he re-learned everything and became just as good as he was before. That kind of puts it into perspective the minute that I think I have it rough.             "It's definitely a fun, free-flowing environment. Everybody feels welcomed and fits in. At the same time, it's humbling, realizing, wow, I still do have it better than most."             The players' similarities extend beyond body types. Most are wired like DeRocher.             "These are 12, 15 alpha dogs who have gone through more than what most people can imagine," pitcher Matt Kinsey, a former Army sergeant and infantry paratrooper, told The News Press in Cape Coral, Florida.             It also allowed DeRocher to develop a close connection with Parker Hanson, who starred at Augustana College (S.D.) in Sioux Falls, not far from DeRocher's Sioux City home. Hanson, who is three years older and plays with a prosthetic arm, had a short minor league career.             "I call him big brother," DeRocher said. "Being in contact with a dude like that who had a great career at the Division II level and then even playing pro ball a little bit before a different injury set him back. To play alongside a player like that, where he reached heights that I still hope to eventually get to, it's definitely inspiring."             The two have even roomed with each other while with the Warriors.             "He's a younger version of me," Hanson told The News Press. "Same personality. When I was his age, I was a little brash as well. The first time we met, we hit it off. Big brother, little brother. We try to one-up each other and we do it with nice, friendly smack-talking."             The team gathered at Florida Gulf Coast University in January to film a documentary called "Curveballs," that is expected to be released later this year. Filming will conclude when the team returns to Fort Myers for a game at the Boston Red Sox spring training facility June 1.             Playing with military veterans had perhaps the biggest impact on DeRocher.             "I think it helped his perspective a lot," Carey said. "These guys were fully able-bodied people a lot of their lives and now they're learning how to live without this. He realized, 'Hey, I need to keep the mindset that I have, but at the same time, I have to understand there are a lot of people out there that have it worse than me.' I can absolutely see that change in him."             DeRocher has proven he belongs. But he still plays with the edge of someone trying to convince others of that. As the number of doubters dwindles, he almost seeks them out, thirsting for the fuel that propels him.             "Oh, yeah, he's got that," Carey said. "You hear Michael Jordan saying, 'Oh, I took this, this and this personally every time.' Colton's very much that way, where you say something and he's like, 'What do you mean by that?' You know, give me a reason right now. It just drives him."             DeRocher doesn't deny the need for an edge.             "It's one of those things where you have no choice but to build up your self-confidence probably even a little higher because of what you are dealing with, especially athletically because everybody assumes I'm probably going to not be as good," he said. "You have to have that chip on your shoulder because, especially at the beginning, you're the only one to believe in yourself. A lot of people thought I wouldn't even start on a high school team and I ended up being a four-year letterman and three-year starter. And then it was, it won't happen in college. And now, here I am, and it's all because of insanely built-up self-confidence. And that also goes along with the work you've put in behind the scenes along the way."

📈  DIII baseball scoreboard             Some wonder if what's missing from his hand is less significant than the fire its absence generates within. DeRocher has pondered life with two hands and how much it would have helped — or hurt — his career.             "Obviously, you're always going to have that what-if conversation," DeRocher said. "I would have figured out a lot of things sooner. Like, I didn't get a weightlifting hook until I entered college. If I had two hands, I could have started my weight training process a lot sooner and I could have filled out a lot sooner. But I don't completely disagree (that he's more motivated) in talking about the stubbornness aspect. That definitely did add a chip on my shoulder that helped get me where I am."             But make no mistake, while DeRocher has gifts, he has earned his way with his work ethic. And one of the things he loves about baseball is that when the first pitch is thrown, it's his ultimate chance to prove it.             "Everything behind the scenes finally gets shown," he said. "I get to show that no matter how I'm perceived, I'm just as good if not better than anybody else I'm sharing the field with and nothing's going to stop me or slow me down."

"You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have," is tattooed on DeRocher's right arm. Increasingly, however, DeRocher is finding even greater rewards than proving himself in seeing how he can use the game to impact others. It's become his mission.             During last year's final weekend series on the road, he noticed an autistic boy intently watching each game. DeRocher homered in the last game and afterwards the boy's father asked if he could meet him. The boy was quickly ushered into the Central dugout.             "He was real timid but he wanted to say hi and asked me questions," DeRocher said."That was definitely a moment where like, dang, you truly never do know who is watching.             "It really makes you sit back and realize I'm not just playing a game. It's not just the media outlets writing stories that people are reading. People are actually showing up and getting that inspiration from me in person."             Others have have sought out DeRocher after games, drawn to his story because of how it relates to their own lives. Carey savors watching those moments.             "I think it helps him realize that there are more eyes on him than he thinks," he said. "And I think it really lifts him up when those people come in and talk to him saying, 'Hey, my son's going through this, are you willing to meet with him?' He'll say, 'Absolutely.'"             That's the biggest reason DeRocher want his baseball career to stretch beyond his time at Central, in whatever form that takes.             "Any minor league contract would be the greatest thing," he said. "But even if none of that happens, I still have the platform with the Louisville Slugger Warriors to continue to inspire and hopefully the documentary will reach a lot more.             "I'll stay close to the game. I plan on doing some level of coaching or personal training after graduation. I'll never leave the game and I'll never stop telling my story. And I've been blessed enough to get the platform to keep spreading it for a while longer."             DeRocher has proven to others what he can do. And long ago he learned to appreciate all that he's been given.             "At the end of the day, like what do I really have to complain about?," he said. "I'm not disabled. Nobody has to help me with anything. There are always those stories on ESPN where kids are in wheelchairs or have cancer and all this and that. So, if I'm missing a few fingers and I'm still able to do everything I love, I can't really consider myself disabled. I'm still pretty able."             As it turns out, maybe baseball was the perfect choice for a determined Sioux City toddler with a congenital defect on his left hand. It's a sport ingrained with the challenges that mirror those he faces daily and one that helps show him a path forward, to a life where he's not just normal, but more.

"It's a very humbling game," he said. "I love that it definitely puts things into perspective. The game is completely built on failure and it kind of relates to my life where I'm failing a lot more than I succeed, especially when I'm trying to figure something out. Like, what took me the longest to learn was tying my shoes. And then the little times you do succeed make it that much sweeter. So it's just finding your own process, finding your own way. I think that's honestly what's kept me in love with baseball more than other sports. I'm considered elite if I get three hits out of 10 at-bats, right? It's a game built on failure and I've had to overcome obstacles my whole life."             Just as good, if not better.

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