Well, here I am, Denton True Young—though most folks just call me Cy.

It’s 1903, and I’m standing on the mound for the Boston Red Sox, in a field lined with wooden stands packed with fans, their cheers bouncing in the crisp fall air.

This is the first official World Series, a dream I never thought possible when I grew up on a farm in Gilmore, Ohio.

Back then, baseball was more of a pastime than a career, a game we’d play in dusty fields, and I never dreamed I’d pitch professionally.

But here I am, standing on the precipice of baseball history, feeling the weight of my youth, my family’s farm, and the road I’ve taken to get here.

Life in 1903 is vastly different from the 1860s when I was born.

America’s growing fast, and so is the game I love. The cities are bustling with all sorts of folks—immigrants from Europe, hardworking Americans—people who come together in ballparks as equals, joined by a shared love for baseball.

As I stand here, I feel deeply connected to these fans, the salt of the earth, whose daily lives are no easier than mine, especially on the farm.

My pitches give them something to cheer for, a way to escape. That connection, the feeling that we’re all in this together, is the most meaningful part of it all.

I’m proud of what I’ve done, yet there’s always a bit of fear, too—the fear of not being good enough or of losing that fire inside.

Baseball is moving faster than ever, and who knows what the future holds. But as long as I’ve got a ball in my hand and a game to play, I’ll keep doing what I love, aiming for the target and giving fans a reason to cheer.

Startup Lessons from Cy Young’s Journey:

Cy Young’s career offers a valuable lesson to today’s startups: consistency and dedication shape a lasting legacy.

Like Young, who spent over 20 years refining his pitch, founders must commit to constant improvement.

Cy’s focus on delivering the best he could, regardless of the team he played for, reminds startups that a good reputation is built through dedication and performance, not just flashy promises.

This authenticity builds trust—a rare, invaluable asset.

In baseball, Cy valued connection with fans. Startups, too, should prioritize human connections over transactions.

Know your audience, engage genuinely, and understand their needs.

Cy didn’t set out to break records but focused on giving his best to each game, which led him to become a legend.

Today’s founders should focus on delivering quality experiences, trusting that growth will follow dedication.

In an age of endless possibilities, staying grounded, as Cy did on the mound, remains key to enduring success.