The Greatest

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Views: 91,849
Related Values: Believe In Yourself Confidence Preparation

About This Video

The Greatest is all about perspective. Just when you think you are failing, when things seem to be going wrong…a change of perspective shines a bright light of realization that you just might be succeeding in other ways. It is a very simple concept but the key, of course was finding the right young actor to play the part. As you have seen, he is amazing. After countless takes throwing the ball up and missing—which is harder than you might think—he never lost his zeal. The last scene was as strong as the first. “Celebration” by Kool and The Gang fittingly takes us from despair at ‘strike three” to euphoria and inspires us to embrace the value of Optimism as we face similar situations each day. After all, you might just be…The Greatest.

Video Transcript

Boy: I’m the greatest hitter in the world!
Strike One.
I’m the greatest hitter in the world!
Strike Two.
Hmmm.
I’m the greatest hitter in the world!
Strike Three.
Wow…
I’m the greatest pitcher in the world! Yes!
Music: Celebrate good times, c’mon!
Super/VO: Optimism…Pass it On. A message from The Foundation for a Better Life

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0	Ricky 23 days ago from Bakersfield, Ca This was a good one! Made me laugh
1	MamaBear 3 months ago from MT There is a great Kenny Rogers song that tells this story.
2	Kuczak 3 months ago from Arizona Pass on optimism! Always keep a positive attitude! Never give up hope!
3	Eduardo A 3 months ago from Omaha Nebraska I love this video because this is a funny video to me and this was me at a time and i did become a successful baseball player
4	Crystal 6 months ago from Vancouver, BC This makes me smile. And remember the song "the baseball song" by Kenny Rogers? (which is pretty simply a song about the same thing).
5	Arvin 6 months ago from Philippines Every time I watch this video it gives me a smile on my face and encouragement in my heart.
6	Arlan Berglas 6 months ago from Global My personal favorite!
7	Nissi 7 months ago from Mexico Great video!
8	Daver 11 months ago from Fortville, IN I saw this for the first time a couple of years ago and it just brought a smile to my face and in my heart. There is a positive side to every situation, you just have to have the eyes to see it.
9	Johnie L about 1 year ago from WO"W what optimistic thinking John Samuel This reminds me of your optimism. Love GP
10	Lawana P. about 1 year ago from Jackson, MI These are so touching. I love watching them; and will share with others.
11	james edward edens over 1 year ago from mississippi I like it!
12	mlestelle@stcharles.k12.la.us over 1 year ago from jtreuting@stcharles.k12.la.us 2nd grade team, Let's ALL take something from this video and apply it to our classes this week. Please share, Melissa. Jamie :)
13	Vivian P over 1 year ago from Puerto rico Tremendo, muy bonito y muy motivador
14	K8 W over 1 year ago from Blairstown, NJ I miss "The Greatest" commercial on NBC in the morning at 8:30 Eastern. What is that cute kid doing now???
15	Terri W. over 1 year ago from Conroe, TX I've been struggling with health issues recently. These videos are so encouraging! They are awesome to lift up the soul! Can't wait to share them.
16	AshleyB over 1 year ago from Katy, TX I love these videos. I will be sharing them with my students.
17	Trudy B over 1 year ago from Florida Thank you for starting this organization. Thank you for being a good steward. We all need to share what ever it is we are blessed with, large or small.
18	Raquel T. over 1 year ago from Texas I love your ads. This is what we should be striving for. "The Greatest" made me think that there is always a positive to be found.
19	Michael F. almost 2 years ago from Seattle I failed at a job in construction and at my first attempt at self employment. I believe that my second attempt will succeed. If not, my third attempt will. This video made me cry.
20	June,D almost 2 years ago from Virginia If ALL of your ads replaced the trashy ads on TV now, what difference it would make!!!!!
21	Christina J. almost 2 years ago from Grayson,GA This taught me to never give up!(no matter how bad I am)KEEP TRYING!
22	CC almost 2 years ago from TX This is sooo funny. I love how the kid just dosen't give a care in the world and I also love it when he's like, "WOW."
23	Diana R. almost 2 years ago from Canyon Country Ca. I have to let my 11 yr. old triples see this. They all play on the same team! I think it will help them understand not to ever give up!
24	Ashley W. almost 2 years ago from California I can totally relate especially being the only girl on a boy's baseball team. I was the best pitcher but I couldn't hit well at all or anything else. Also none of the boys were very optimistic about me playing until the end!
25	Ann Koziar almost 2 years ago from Ellwood City, PA I love this commercial and others I've seen. I finally got around to looking up The Foundation for a Better Life on the Internet. I look forward to your commercials while watching baseball games. They are wonderful. Thanks.
26	Puja Pandya almost 2 years ago from Anonymous What a wonderful world in which we can turn failure into success, like this little boy. Love,Puja
27	Julie C about 2 years ago from Lake Stevens, WA As a person in recovery from alcohol addiction, this is how I view MY recovery now! It started out as failure until I realized the gift of that loss and the gain of my new life.
28	Kyle B about 2 years ago from York PA I am in the midst of closing a failing small business. This is really inspiring me to try again!
29	Suzanne M over 2 years ago from Fayetteville NC All of your spots are incredibly written, shot and acted. As a producer I know how difficult it is to get just the right tone, mood and message. You guys are fantastic.
30	Kristina Q over 2 years ago from Philippines One of the best I've seen. I always look forward to your spots at CNN. Thanks for inspiring us!
31	Mary Rose M. over 2 years ago from Mooresville, NC Adorable! This made me laugh out loud. The Greatest, indeed!
32	Mary M. over 2 years ago from Stony Point, NY He reminds me of my Grandson, Ryan, who has gone from my life. He is like seeing a beautiful angel. Thank you.
33	Riley S. over 2 years ago from Gilbert, AZ I was shown this clip at "Be the Best You" camp and it really meant a lot to me because its such like a good example.
34	Meg B. over 2 years ago from Auburn, AL This was the best commercial I have seen in years! I have passed it along to all my family and friends. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
35	Dana G. over 2 years ago from Greenwood Village, CO Beyond a doubt, this is the best e-mail I have ever received. What a world this would be if everyone had the ability to turn failure into success. Hats off to you for producing such a wonderfully, creative ad with a positive spin.
36	Cesar M. over 2 years ago from San Antonio, Texas This commercial is a home run! Makes you want to keep on trying no matter what.
37	Yin L. almost 3 years ago from Ottawa, Ontario This commercial is very inspiring and totally AWESOME!!!
38	Holly P. almost 3 years ago from Longmont, Colorado I love these Optimistic ads. We all could use this in our lives.
39	Annette L. almost 3 years ago from N.Falls, Canada I've only seen two commercials from this site on TV so far, but was simply amazed and impressed! I told a friend who had never seen them in her area, but can do so thanks to this website. Truly outstanding commercials! I just love the Encouragement one.
40	Michael S. almost 3 years ago from Denver, CO This is really an inspiring commercial to always remain optimistic!
41	Francisco C. almost 3 years ago from Scottsdale, AZ HaHa! This video is great!!!!
42	almost 3 years ago from What a powerful message! I was moved to think about how this outlook on life could change not only me, but the world around me! Thank you!
43	Miranda G. almost 3 years ago from Tamuning, Guam I loved it! The best inspiring commercial yet for people of all ages!
44	Michael R. almost 3 years ago from Tustin, CA Inspiring!
45	Jennifer about 3 years ago from Chicago, IL This made my day.
46	Heather M. about 3 years ago from PE, Canada Never grow tired of this commercial and finally checked out your site to see the clever people behind it. I was always told that anything negative could be 1/4 turned and made into something positive and this inspires me to do that once again. Thank you!
47	John about 3 years ago from New York This was hilarious!! i was looking at all of these for some ideas for a school project and this one was definitely the best!!
48	Karen D. about 3 years ago from Vicenza, Italy Hands down the best commercial I've ever seen.
49	Bev M. about 3 years ago from Canada I can watch this one over and over and over and never grow tired of it. I've shared it with many people. I love the boy playing the part, his enthusiasm and high self-esteem radiates from the screen!!! It's terrific!!! I love the song chosen, excellent.
50	Sheila S. about 3 years ago from Long Beach, CA I was very inspired by this commercial. I decided to blog about it right away and pass on the optimism in this world :) Thank you!
51	Stephanie B. R. over 3 years ago from LA, California This video is my favorite so far. I mean, it just reminds me of all the times people have been negative when there's a brighter side to it. I went around school giving high fives the other day saying "Optimism, pass it on." and by the end of the school day, people I didn't know were doing it too. I think optimism is one of the greatest things we could have more of in this world...
52	Gregory S over 3 years ago from Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean Thank you for sharing this with the WORLD! So many people might be trying their very best to succeed and might get discouraged with the results they're getting. This is a WONDERFUL reminder to not be discouraged, but think about opportunities for a better way, that there current circumstances bring. THANK YOU from all of us!
53	Lady S over 3 years ago from Toronto, Canada Oh my, funny when you need a teacher they come in all sizes and shapes. Thank you, young one, for being my teacher today when a pint size of optimism is just what this lady needed.
54	Brenda R over 3 years ago from Minneapolis, MN WOW!!! I just saw this for the first time and sent it to four people to watch! So inspiring and touching!! Amazing!!!
55	Jacqueline C over 3 years ago from Memphis, TN You certainly picked the perfect picture! This young man has the eye of determination and certainly the spirit of victory! At first my heart sank with sympathy for him after the second strike. Instantly, a rush of joy and a burst of laughter emerged empathizing the optimistic moment. Please, please, please, keep these surfacing. It's ammunition to immune our world. It starts with onr step forward-like this one. Thank you!
56	Emma H over 3 years ago from Boston, MA I love this commercial, it makes me smile whenever I see it.
57	Emily Gr. 6 over 3 years ago from Belvidere, IL I think this TV spot tells people not to look on the negative side, but to think of ways that make what you do great. Always look on the positive side.
58	Don L over 3 years ago from Alberta, Canada What more could I possibly say that hasn't already been said by the multitude of the folks above? The world needs more of these! Thank you so much.
59	Della M. over 3 years ago from Surfside Beach, South Carolina Great commercial. Just watching that fine line between defeat and then the moment of realization that all is not lost. Great message...and a really cute kid.
60	Linda B over 3 years ago from Michigan I can't even begin to tell you the powerful conversations my second grade students had over this commercial... Wow!
61	Andrew J. Garcia over 3 years ago from New York The best!
62	Marcia D over 3 years ago from San Antonio THANK YOU!!! As my two sons ages 7 and 9 stand here with me selecting which video to watch, I am astounded at the beautiful messages in the TV spots. Children are never too young to learn the real lessons in life. I hope to see more of these on TV.
63	Rachael K. over 3 years ago from Belvidere, IL I saw this TV spot in my computer class. It was called "the greatest". If only every kid in America could feel that way, that would be awesome!!!
64	Dianne M. over 3 years ago from Tennessee, USA I love this commercial! Every time I hear this come on the lobby TV at work, if I can't get up to watch it, I just sit and listen to it. If only every little kid could feel this way! I love it when his face lights up when he realizes "Wow, I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!" This has to be the best thing on TV! I could watch it all day.
65	Yanon V., Ph.D. over 3 years ago from La Jolla, CA FANTASTIC! I tell all my graduate students in child psychology about it.
66	Steve C over 3 years ago from Minot, ND Nice adaptation of the Kenny Rogers song.
67	CK over 3 years ago from Chandler, AZ I saw this commercial and immediately told at least 10 people about it. It wasn't until the extended network I shared this story with who actually located it on the web. I LOVE this commercial! I will now be able to send it to so many that I can only hope will get the same enjoyment out of this that I have. Thank you! This is the GREATEST commercial in the world!
68	Micky P. over 3 years ago from Youngstown, Ohio I just LOVE this commercial, I watch this every morning when I get up! What a great concept—the ending surprised me and put a huge smile on my face! Thank you for this!
69	Michelle D. over 3 years ago from Ivins, Utah By far, the best commercial I have ever viewed. It brought an instant smile to my face. I passed it on to as many people as I could possibly find in my address book. I love and appreciate this kid's perspective. May we all be blessed to think this way! Thank you for the work you do!
70	Tom M. over 3 years ago from Wilmington, NC I love the quality of the commercial and it's message is so important. We should all remember that success rarely comes quickly and easily. We need to emulate the little boy and keep our spirits high in the meantime! May we all be at least great pitchers!
71	Ryan C. over 3 years ago from Oshawa, Ontario The commercials send out a good message that more people should be paying attention to - It may help them some day.
72	Wendi B. over 3 years ago from Arlington, WA I passed this on to the head of my sons Leadership and Respect team. Promoting messages like these are exactly what the team is all about!
73	Matt B. over 3 years ago from Pennington, NJ I love it; I bookmarked this ad as my homepage. Truly amazing commercial! It’s refreshing to see positive commercials, swimming in the pool of negative conditioned ad market.
74	Cassandrda F over 3 years ago from Missouri I saw the TV spot called "The Greatest" on TV, and my family and I laughed about it for 20 minutes. That is the funniest kid EVER, plus he looks almost exactly like my little brother. I really love these commercials.
75	Tania H over 3 years ago from Mechanicsville, VA This commercial really touched me - I just HAD to pass on the optimism to family, friends. If only we all had that attitude :)
76	Amy D. over 3 years ago from Dayton, OH I laughed out loud and then I felt inspired to always look at things in a good light. I told my husband I saw a great commercial but refuse to tell him about it because you need to see it to appreciate it.
77	M Roldan over 3 years ago from Beautiful Diva I absolutely love this commercial. It puts a smile on my face everytime I see it. We should all see the good in everything we do even if the results aren't what we expected
78	over 3 years ago from I love this! Makes me smile every time.
79	John G over 3 years ago from Corvallis,OR WOW! This is one of the best motivational video's I have ever seen! WOW! Thank you so very much, keep spreading the word.
80	Cyndy P. over 3 years ago from Ridgewood, NJ Paradigm shift! Can somebody load this on YouTube?? LOVED this commercial!
81	Jennifer D. over 3 years ago from Sugar Hill, GA Wow! What a great message!
82	Erin H. over 3 years ago from Seattle, Washington USA I absolutely LOVE this commercial!
83	Drew G. over 3 years ago from Atlanta, Georgia USA This is the best commercial I've ever seen.
84	Zane over 3 years ago from Arlington, Washington USA We saw this ad on TV last night and my son asked me to rewind it over and over and over!
85	over 3 years ago from I love this!! The Greatest is the Greatest! Keep spreading the joy!! :)
86	Jan E. over 3 years ago from Florida, USA This may be the greatest commercial in the world. Optimism in a nutshell; loved it!
87	Kathleen H. over 3 years ago from Nevada, USA This aired one night when I had really lost my normally upbeat mood. It changed the course of my night and renewed my optimism and brought me joy.
88	Kristal V. over 3 years ago from West Linn, OR this is the most amazing commercial i have seen in a long time and have seen others comment on how incredible it is too. we would LOVE to embed it on our blogs/websites...would you be able to provide that for us? thanks for such an encouragement.
89	Susan E. over 3 years ago from Erie, PA I saw the "The Greatest Pitcher" commercial last night and absolutely loved it! I did a google search today to see if I could find it to pass along or post on my social networking pages. Please upload it to YouTube, or a similar place so we can help spread the word! Keep up the great work!
90	Mom V. over 3 years ago from USA I needed that!!!!
91	Heather D. over 3 years ago from Washington State I just saw this spot for the first time and think it is FANTASTIC!! I am sharing the link with my family and friends. What a great message -- thank you for this!
92	Bill Y. over 3 years ago from Lake Elsinore, California I saw this on the TV and it hit home! What a powerful message. I spent the next several hours watching all of your videos! Thank you.
93	Alyssa B. over 3 years ago from Huntington Beach My new favorite commercial. Wow! It’s absolutely adorable.
94	Merri S. over 3 years ago from Las Vegas, NV THIS is a fabulous commercial! Children and adults alike can not help but be carried along by the message!
95	Kyle R. over 3 years ago from Las Vegas I just wanted to add to my previous comment that I saw this commercial on the Fox Sports Network Dodger Baseball telecast.
96	Kyle R. over 3 years ago from Las Vegas Great video! What a day brightener! :-)
97	Lindsey A. over 3 years ago from Atlanta, GA This commercial was truly the best one i have ever seen!! It gets across the message of optimism so well and surprises you at the end with the kids reaction!!! great work!
98	Jennifer H. over 3 years ago from Texas The Greatest commercial made me laugh on a day I really needed a pick me up.
99	Alain C. over 3 years ago from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico The best yet. Please keep on...
100	Bryan E. over 3 years ago from Erlanger, KY This commercial put a smile on my face. Thank you!
101	C. Mari over 3 years ago from Prince George, BC Yes, turn it around, turn it all around because you are the greatest just being you, my son loved this one!!!
102	Robert D over 3 years ago from Jersey Village, Texas I saw a portion of your "THE GREATEST" on TxCN and searched for you as I was able to backup my TV to get your website. I am past President of the oldest Optimist Club in Texas, Houston's Downtown Optimist Club. This club has been around for over 90 years and still does some interesting things...but we have no comparison to the past. Boy's & Girl's Harbor, which houses close to 100 displaced children, was started by one of members when he died by his willing us his beach house. We appreciate what you do.

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