Monday Inspiration - The Long Game

I get a lot of my inspirations from sports movies and documentaries - they are usually well done, extremely interesting, and they always have an inspirational story to tell.

Last week I caught The Long Game on Netflix. Based on a true story, it takes us back to the world of golf as it existed in 1955 in Texas. Five young Mexican-American boys worked as caddies for the local golf club and developed a love for the game itself. They were stymied by the prejudices of the day and could not join nor even play at their club, so they created their own short course in the desert.

At the same time the superintendent of their high school, also a Mexican-American, was frustrated by the treatment he was getting at the club, as he was also unable to join. So he created a high school golf team for the five boys and worked with them to develop their skills. The goal was the state championship, which they won in 1957. The team broke barriers and overcame incredible prejudices, and contributed heavily to the acceptance and success of the many Latino golfers that were to follow.

Much like my story about Rickwood Field and Reggie Jackson (June 25), stories like this make me thankful for what we have. I like to think we live in a much better time, and I appreciate reminders like this.

Have a great week!

Michael Gauthier
​NDY (Not Done Yet)