Soul on Fire

I recently had the privilege of screening Soul on Fire, the new film about John O’Leary, a man whose story has inspired millions to truly live. I attended an early showing with my friend Dr. Michelle Robin, who first introduced me to John as a guest on my Rounding the Bases podcast.

At nine years old, John was burned over 100% of his body. His survival alone was a miracle. But his story isn’t just about survival. It’s about choosing purpose, gratitude, and love in the aftermath of unthinkable pain.

As John told me in the latest episode of the podcast:

“It’s a little bit of a burn story, it’s a little bit of a love story, it’s a little bit of a baseball story, it’s a lot of a life story of how the difficult things we face don’t have to negatively define the futures we get to live into.”

That theme runs through the movie and through John himself. His joy is contagious, his humility disarming. He spoke about saying “yes” to life again after years of hiding his scars. That first small yes, nervously speaking to the Girl Scouts, led to thousands of talks around the world. 

“The best among us just love the one in front of them. They did it authentically. It’s not that hard. It’s free,” he told me. 

Actor William H. Macy played the late, legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck in the movie. Buck’s compassion and consistency helped change the trajectory of John’s life. That part of the story became the center of my reflection afterward. 

Because I understand I have those same opportunities every day.
To see someone.
To show up.
To remind them they matter.

In baseball and in life, that’s what creates connection;  not the big swings, but the steady presence.

Sometimes the biggest wins come from the smallest gestures…a visit, a note, a simple “yes.”

That’s Small Ball.

Question:
Who in your world needs to be reminded that they matter today?

Signup today and get the next Small Ball Snapshot delivered right to your inbox.