Dave Cruz / Special to NBCSports.com

As long as the dream remains, there is hope, and for those fortunate enough to have hope, the pull of the major leagues is a strong one.

Yeah, I was in the show. I was in the show for 21 days once — the 21 greatest days of my life.
— Kevin Costner as Crash Davis in the 1988 movie “Bull Durham”

It’s a kid’s dream.

One that is born the first time you wrap your fingers around a bat or slip a worn leather glove on your hand.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a ballplayer.

For most of us, the dream is fanciful and fleeting, eventually dashed by slow reflexes, lumbering feet and weak arms. But for a select few the dream has a basis in reality. For them, the fast-twitch muscles already in place are honed through hours of practice, and the drive and dedication are there to supplement the natural abilities.

But even for the gifted, the road is rarely easy. How could it be in a game where failure and doubt lurk around every corner, where succeeding as a hitter only 30 percent of the time makes you a hero?

No, chasing your dream is never easy, especially when that dream is to become a professional ballplayer. It’s a long road to the major leagues, and there are plenty of potholes along the way. Stamina is tested by long bus rides and cheap motels. Skills are tested by opponents just as hungry as you are. And resolve can be tested at any moment by a streak of bad luck or a lapse in concentration.

But as long as the dream remains, there is hope, and for those fortunate enough to have hope, the pull of the major leagues is a strong one.

We talked to seven men about chasing their dreams. Some worked hard to become major league regulars, some are still trying to get there, and some remain caught in between. But while each man has faced unique challenges in chasing his dream, they all had one thing in common: it's the journey that matters most ...

Chasing the dream: A special series Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com After 16 years, a big-league callup can be sweet John Lindsey toiled in the minor leagues for 16 years before getting called up. And now his future is uncertain again. Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com A baseball dream sidetracked by injury Scott Rice was supposed to be a star, but because of an injury he is still seeking his first action in the major leagues after 12 years in pro baseball. Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com For some, staying in the majors is the hard part During the past decade, Corky Miller has played only 199 games in the big leagues. It’s not exactly what he envisioned in second grade, when “ballplayer” was his response to the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com Mariners' prospect making most of second chance After testing positive for marijuana twice, Tom Wilhelmsen was suspended by the Brewers and quit baseball. He is back, with the Mariners, and appreciative of another chance. Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com With appreciation, Hunter values time in big leagues Torii Hunter is a star, but he knows as well as anyone how difficult it is to reach the major leagues. Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com For some, the road to the bigs can have big detours Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis thought he would finish his career in Japan, but he found his form overseas and made a triumphant return. Full story Dave Cruz / NBCSports.com Future star: Mariners' Ackley ready for big time Dustin Ackley is what they call a bonus baby, a future star destined for greatness, a supreme talent on the fast track to the major leagues. But even Ackley has found that professional baseball holds challenges. Full story

Bob Harkins is the baseball editor at NBCSports.com and a writer for HardballTalk.com. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/Bharks

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