Originally published in the Lake Tahoe School ‘Bob’ Cats Notes – 10/13/2025
In the final playoff game of baseball’s National League Divisional Series this year, Philadelphia pitcher Orion Kerkering was on the mound. Pitching with two outs and the bases loaded, the batter hit a ball right back to Kerkering. Momentarily bobbling the ball, the pitcher panicked, threw wildly to the wrong base, and the Los Angeles Dodgers scored to win the game and the series.
While millions of baseball fans were either ecstatic or wildly disappointed, I couldn’t help but think of how Kerkering felt in that moment. In particular, the most telling image sent out as the game ended showed Kerkering standing alone on the field, head bowed deeply, as the celebrating Dodger players rushed past him to congratulate their teammates. To Kerkering, alone in his thoughts, the world seemed over, perhaps never to be positive again.
Later in the clubhouse, and following an outpouring of support from his teammates, Kerkering dutifully answered reporters’ questions. Although obviously subdued and on the verge of tears, he concluded his interview with a poignant and significant note of optimism. When asked what was next for him, he responded, “… hopefully, keep pushing. Get over this hump.” Noted baseball writer Joe Posnanski put it more succinctly, “… baseball is designed to give you hope. Spring training will come again.”
It is difficult for any of us to fail at times, whether in minor things in life or, hopefully, not on a national stage. As I watched Kerkering go from potential hero to an embarrassed goat, I could not help but wonder, at the same time, how vital hope is to all of us. Strong people recognize that resilience in the face of defeat or failure is the quality that matters most. Having the support of teammates or friends as you pick up the pieces and move on is also critical to our futures – it’s all about hope.
At Lake Tahoe School, hope is a critical aspect of the learning process. Life and learning will always be full of mistakes, failures, and oftentimes lost opportunities. How we deal with these situations and how we move on is just as important as what it took to get to this point. Our students approach their learning, embracing its inevitable ups and downs, knowing they have the support of their teachers to help them discover the correct answer, the proper technique, and perhaps a new perspective on the problem.
Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field or court, LTS students are given the freedom to both make mistakes and to learn from them – all with the hope of making things better. Effort, practice, and the hands-on support and coaching of their teachers help students overcome their initial disappointments. While hope is a powerful tool, how dashed hopes or derailed dreams are handled is even more critical.
Life is ultimately a story of moving forward. Positive teachers, caring parents, and good friends and teammates are key to this, and making learning the central aspect of this process. At Lake Tahoe School, all these elements come together as an intentional part of the learning process. On the national stage or in the quiet of the classroom, hope in the face of mistakes or failure sustains us and makes us better for believing and practicing it. As former President of Yale University and later Major League Baseball Commissioner, Bart Giamatti once said about baseball, “It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart.” For all of us, even Orion Kerkering, it’s how we handle the pieces that remain that is the key to life.
Welcome back from the break! Have a great week ahead.
Bob
