Lloyd Waner Quotes

Powerful Lloyd Waner for Daily Growth

About Lloyd Waner

Lloyd Waner, affectionately known as "Lary" or "The Wheeze Kid," was an American professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues from 1930 to 1945, primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Born on October 27, 1911, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Waner grew up in a family deeply rooted in baseball. His father, Lloyd "Larry" Waner Sr., and uncles Paul and Dave Waner were all major league players. Waner's professional career began with the Pirates in 1930. Known for his exceptional batting skills, he was a two-time National League batting champion (1932, 1938) and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1967. He earned the nickname "The Wheeze Kid" due to his unusual breathing technique during his swing. One of Waner's most significant contributions to baseball was his pioneering role in the shift from the traditional bunt-and-run strategy to a focus on power hitting. His influence extends beyond the Pirates, as he was part of the 'Murderers' Row' team that dominated the 1930s New York Yankees. Off the field, Waner was known for his humility and generosity. He often visited hospitals and orphanages, bringing joy to countless children. Despite his success, he remained grounded, crediting his strong family values for shaping his character. After retiring from baseball, Waner lived a quiet life in Florida, where he passed away on December 18, 1965. His legacy endures, not only through his Hall of Fame career but also as a symbol of grace, sportsmanship, and the power of family.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way."

This quote by Lloyd Waner encourages individuals to not allow the fear of failure or rejection (striking out) prevent them from taking risks or pursuing their goals. It's a reminder that overcoming fear is essential for personal growth, achieving success, and fulfilling one's potential.


"Baseball is a lot like business and life: It's all about the team."

This quote suggests that baseball, business, and life share common principles, primarily the importance of teamwork. In each context, success is not achieved by individual efforts alone but through collaboration, unity, and synergy within a group. The strength of a team lies in the collective skills, experiences, and perspectives of its members, working together towards a common goal. This quote emphasizes that success requires understanding the value of teamwork, fostering a harmonious environment, and recognizing that everyone has a role to play in achieving shared objectives.


"You can't steal second base with your foot on first."

The quote "You can't steal second base with your foot on first" is a metaphor for not taking advantage of opportunities that are immediately available while focusing on something else. In the context of baseball, stealing a base requires focus, speed, and timing; if a player is standing on first base without paying attention to the pitcher or the ball, they cannot successfully steal second. Similarly, in life, when we're preoccupied with things that are already within our grasp, we may miss out on new opportunities that require similar focus, initiative, and readiness. The key lesson here is to prioritize and stay focused on the task at hand while remaining alert for new opportunities.


"Success isn't just about talent; it's about hard work and perseverance too."

The quote emphasizes that success is not solely dependent on natural talent but also requires effort and determination, often referred to as hard work and perseverance. In simpler terms, this means that anyone with a dream can achieve it by consistently putting in the necessary work and persisting through difficulties, regardless of their initial abilities or skills. This wisdom encourages individuals to focus on their goals, work diligently towards them, and maintain resilience in the face of obstacles.


"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you pick yourself up again." (This quote is often attributed to Vince Lombardi, but it was also expressed by Lloyd Waner.)

This quote emphasizes resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity or failure. It suggests that everyone will face setbacks in life, but true strength lies not just in avoiding these challenges, but in overcoming them through persistence and determination. In other words, it's about getting up after falling down and continuing on your journey towards success or achievement.


Our sister Alma was the best hitter in the family. We used to soak corn cobs in water so they wouldn't fly so far when we hit 'em. Alma was the first to hit one far enough to break a window in the barn.

- Lloyd Waner

Best, Corn, Break, Barn

I just loved to play. I liked to study the other ballplayers. I could talk about it for ages, because I played professional ball for 20 years, and I was still learning when I quit.

- Lloyd Waner

Play, Study, Other, I Quit

When I played, a pitcher could throw at you any time he wanted to. In fact, he could tell you he was going to throw at you, and there was nothing said. You had to take it. If he hit ya, he hit ya.

- Lloyd Waner

Fact, Going, Could, Ya

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