Talent vs. Opportunity: Why Some Players Get a Shot and Others Don’t

Talent vs. Opportunity: Why Some Players Get a Shot and Others Don’t

What happens when you know you had the talent—but someone else got the opportunity?

When an athlete’s journey ends without ever getting “the call,” it can feel like the game itself picked someone else. Sometimes it’s timing. Sometimes it’s exposure. Sometimes, it’s just unfair. But the part that sticks—the part that lingers for years—is this:
Why not me?

In this clip, Brannon Snead talks about a former player—Carl Saddler—who got to pitch to three batters in the big leagues. And while he respects the guy, there’s no hiding the emotion behind his words:

“He wasn’t better than me.”

Have you—or your son—ever watched someone else get the opportunity you worked for? How did it affect your love for the game?
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments.

“At Least He Got to Do It”

Brannon isn’t being bitter—he’s being honest. As athletes, we know when we’ve been outplayed. But we also know when we weren’t. And when someone else gets the chance you didn’t, it’s impossible not to wonder.

“At least he got to throw to three batters. I haven't seen the guy since high school… but he got there. He got to feel what that was like.”

There’s no arrogance in that. Just unfinished business. A desire for closure. And maybe even a little disbelief at how many careers come down to timing, connections, and exposure.

Hard Work Isn’t Always Enough

Coach Leo reflects on the sweat equity he’s put into the game—ditches dug, concrete poured, lawns mowed—and how he’d still rather put all that effort into baseball.

But he’s clear:
Talent doesn’t guarantee opportunity.
And effort doesn’t always guarantee recognition.

That’s a reality too many young athletes aren’t prepared for.

Why This Matters to Sore to Soaring

At Sore to Soaring, we’re not just developing players—we’re building readiness. Because you don’t always get the call when it makes sense. And when opportunity does show up, you have to be mentally and physically prepared to grab it.

Our model focuses on more than mechanics and reps. We train decision-making, clarity, and competitive consistency—so players don’t just wait around hoping for a break. They’re building toward it every day.

We can’t guarantee the opportunity. But we can guarantee the player is ready when it comes.

Learn more about how we develop players for both baseball and beyond:
👉 www.soretosoaring.org

Disclaimer:
The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.

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