The 90%: How a Young Pitcher Found His Faith in the Game
BBSA's "Aspiring to Inspire" Series Continues
Every journey begins with a single step. For some, that step is taken on a dusty field, with a worn out glove and a heart full of curiosity. Our second story in the "Aspiring to Inspire" series brings us to a young man who reminds us that greatness is not born overnight, it is built, swing by swing, pitch by pitch, through patience, failure, and an unshakeable belief. Meet Karma Tashi Wangyel, a 16year old pitcher and first baseman from Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School. His is a story of simple beginnings, quiet determination, and a love for baseball that refuses to let go. This is his journey.
In His Own Words: Finding My Diamond
My name is Karma Tashi Wangyel. I am 16 years old, studying in grade 10 at Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School (YHSS). I play as a pitcher and first baseman. My father serves in the Royal Bhutan Army, and my mother is a housewife.
My childhood was simple. I spent most of my time playing outside with my friends and helping my family. Like any child, I had dreams and interests. But one thing quietly became a part of my life, and then grew into something much bigger: BASEBALL.
My family has always been my anchor. They supported me equally in my studies and my sports. They taught me respect, discipline, and the value of hard work. When things got hard, they helped me stay strong and keep moving toward my goals. I carry their belief in me every time I step onto the field..
The Day Baseball Found Me
My journey in baseball began in 2021. My teacher announced a new sport called baseball happening at Changlimithang. I got the opportunity to attend the program, and from that moment, something clicked.
But it was not easy. Baseball demands so much, skill, practice, patience, and trust. I made countless mistakes. I swung and missed. I threw wild pitches. But I kept showing up. I kept practicing. Slowly, I started to improve.
Now, after five years of playing this game, I have learned so much more than just how to throw a ball. I have learned how to work as a team, how to respect my coaches and my opponents, and how to trust my teammates with everything I have. I have also learned to respect my own things, my glove, my bat, my space, and to carry myself with pride. These lessons have shaped me not only as a player but as a person.
The Moment I Almost Walked Away
There was a time when I wanted to quit. During practice, I watched my friends move ahead of me while I felt stuck behind. The gap felt too wide. The frustration was heavy.
But then I remembered a quote from the legendary Yogi Berra: "Baseball is 90% mental, and the other half is physical."
That quote stayed with me. I realized that the battle was not just in my arms or my legs, it was in my mind. So I decided not to give up. I started swinging my bat at home every day. I practiced my pitching alone. I went for a jog every morning to build my stamina and my mental strength. I started working out to grow stronger. Slowly, the gap began to close.
My Rituals, My Luck, My Faith
Before every game, I have a ritual. I warm up my pitching using my towel method. It makes me feel positive and confident, like I can throw strike after strike. I also say a small prayer before leaving home and again before stepping onto the field.
During important matches or tournaments, I do not let anyone borrow or touch my glove. It may sound strange, but I believe all my luck lives in that glove. It is my companion, my witness to every pitch I have ever thrown.
A Dream Across the Ocean
One of the greatest gifts baseball has given me is the chance to travel. I had the incredible opportunity to visit the United States for a week. There, I met people from all over the world who share the same passion for this sport. They love baseball as much as I do. Those moments reminded me that I am part of something much bigger than myself, a global family connected by a game.
The Player Who Lights My Path
There is one player who inspires me beyond words: Shohei Ohtani. What makes him special is that he excels as both a pitcher and a hitter, something almost unheard of in baseball. His hard work, discipline, and dedication push me to improve every single day.
What I admire most is how he stays humble and focused even after becoming a global superstar. Watching him play makes me believe that with effort and patience, I can achieve my goals too. One day, I hope to meet him. Just for a few minutes. Just to play a catch.
My Dreams for Tomorrow
In the future, I plan to continue playing baseball, hopefully in the pro league, while also focusing on my education and career. My biggest dream is to lead our national team to compete against other countries and give them a strong, unforgettable match. I want to inspire younger players and support the growth of this beautiful sport in Bhutan. I want to be the reason someone else picks up a glove for the first time.
A Message to the Young Player Picking Up a Glove
If I could talk to a 12 year old boy or girl who is falling in love with this game, I would tell them this:
Trust your teammates. Never give up, even when it feels impossible. Enjoy every game, every moment on that field is a gift. Take notes after each training session and after every match. Write down what you learned, what you can do better, and what you did well.
And most importantly, work hard. The journey will be challenging. There will be days you want to quit. But I promise you, it will be worth it.
A Final Message from BBSA
Karma’s story reminds us that the heart of baseball beats in the quiet moments, in the towel warm ups before a game, in the glove that holds a player's luck, in the decision to keep swinging even when falling behind. He represents the future of Bhutanese baseball: young, determined, and deeply connected to the spirit of the game. We are proud to walk alongside him on this journey.
His Message to You:
"Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." The math may not add up, but the wisdom does. Believe in yourself. Trust the process. Keep swinging. Your diamond is waiting.
