No matter how old I get, every Spring I am filled with the youthful anticipation of the coming baseball season.  Anything is possible, and every dream still has the chance to come true. Yet every season seems to mirror life, with its capricious tragedies and underdog successes, its spectacular triumphs and its unpitying twists of fate.  That’s why, with each passing year, I am more convinced that life is like baseball.  Here are 10 reasons why: 1.         In order to succeed in life, you have to roll up your sleeves and work hard at the details.  In baseball, a player hasn’t really played the game unless his uniform is dirty. 2.         There is no such thing as a “sure thing.”  You can be completely prepared for your presentation, or the arrival of your new baby, yet unexpected things can occur, like a power outage or twins.  A routine pop fly can be blown out of reach by the wind, or a pitched ball can hit a bird. 3.         It is best to try and help others triumph, rather than take someone down with you when you fail.  That’s why the double play is one of the worst things that can happen when a team is hitting. 4.         If you think beyond the moment, and look ahead to what happens next, you can achieve your goals.  That’s why the double play is one of the best things that can happen to the team in the field. 5.         It always seems like things were better in the “old days.”  But right now we are creating the events that will become our “old days.”  So pay very close attention when Carlos Gonzalez and Joey Votto play.  And be sure to play with your own kids. 6.         Someone else will want the job you have, just as much as you and sometimes more.  That’s why you always have to do your best and try your hardest, even if it’s just slinging burgers or fielding routine grounders. 7.         There are always obstacles to overcome, whether it is a geometry test or a flame-throwing kid with a nasty change-up. 8.         It really sucks when someone breaks your heart and dumps you.  It also sucks to get traded from a contender to Seattle.  Sorry Justin Smoak – no World Series appearance for you.  Every so often, though, heartbreak can be for the better because it leads to someone you eventually marry.  Right honey?  Sometimes Seattle trades you to Texas and you get to pitch in the World Series.  Right Cliff Lee? 9.         If you surround yourself with supportive, caring friends, there is no limit to what you can accomplish; you have the confidence to take risks and know they will have your back you no matter what.  The chemistry of a baseball team can contribute more to winning than high-priced pain-in-the-butt stars.  Just ask the 2010 Giants. 10.      Someone will always try and steal from you.  That’s why you should never leave valuables in plain sight in your car, and always leave lights on in the house when you leave on vacation.  Oh, and get yourself a catcher with a cannon for an arm, and for heaven’s sake teach your pitchers the slide step. 11.      There is no time clock in life, or in baseball, though both will surely and absolutely end.  So make the best of both. Okay, that is more than 10 reasons.  I guess we went extra innings.     This post was originally published on NPR’s thisibelieve.org