All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. The blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose institution.
"Whenever you hear a story, ask yourself, " Who is the sender, what are his intentions, and what did he hide under the rug?" - Rolf Dobelli in "The Art of Thinking Clearly"
Stories help explain the world. But they're crafted to fit certain narratives. Often they inform valuable lessons. Here are three within the context of MVB:
Rags to Riches (The Horatio Alger story_
AI digression:
The Core Idea
A poor but virtuous young person rises to middle-class respectability through hard work, honesty, perseverance, and a lucky break.
Typical Plot Beats
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Humble beginnings — orphan, bootblack, newsboy.
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Moral fiber — the hero refuses shortcuts or crime.
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Industry — relentless effort and self-improvement.
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Recognition — a benefactor notices character.
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Opportunity + upward mobility — a job, mentorship, or investment changes the trajectory.
What It Really Promotes
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Character as capital
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Reputation as currency
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Opportunity meeting preparation
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Social mobility as attainable
The Cultural Impact
Alger’s stories (e.g., Ragged Dick) helped cement the American belief that:
Success is earned through grit and virtue.
The Quiet Caveat
Alger’s heroes rarely succeed by effort alone.
They need:
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A sponsor
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A network
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A timely stroke of luck
Triumph of Inevitability
Cinematically and in literature, it is literally "The Hero's Journey." It's The Odyssey, Star Wars, The Matrix, Wonder Woman, and many more.
AI Digression:
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell (1949) argues that myths across cultures share a common narrative structure he called the “monomyth” or Hero’s Journey: an ordinary person receives a call to adventure, initially resists, gains mentors and allies, crosses into a realm of trials, undergoes a symbolic death and rebirth, wins a transformative boon, and returns home changed—bringing wisdom or power back to the community. Drawing from global mythology, religion, and psychology (especially Jungian archetypes), Campbell contends that these recurring patterns reflect universal human developmental stages and inner struggles. The book has profoundly influenced modern storytelling, shaping works from Star Wars to countless novels and films, and remains a touchstone for writers, filmmakers, and thinkers exploring narrative, identity, and transformation.
MVB transitioned from the star-crossed (injury) teams with Hannah Brickley to Next Gen youth movement that led to the "Second Dynasty" of Bell, McGowan, Cain, and more. That group went to the State final in 2011 only to come up short and then capture the banner in 2012.
Diamond in the Rough
MVB spawns "origin stories," formative tales or stories of discovery.
This pic is one of my favorites, left to right, Stephanie Crovo, Liz Sheerin, and Dr. Victoria Crovo. Little girls watch MVB and become captivated by the action and athleticism of the "big girls."
AI Digression:
In Sports
A “diamond in the rough” player might:
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Lack polish (footwork, decision speed)
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Be underscouted or underexposed
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Show flashes of instinct or competitive edge
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Need reps, coaching, and structure
The coaching art is in:
Seeing brilliance before it’s obvious.
Origin stories are often like icebergs...the most substantive parts lie beneath the waterline. We don't always appreciate the sacrifices of players and families, the physical toll that sports can exert on players, and the reality that less celebrated players also often "live the grind" without the recognition.
Hard work is the price of admission yet no guarantee that you'll love the show. Write a great story for yourself.
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