As Kevin Costner’s character Crash Davis would say in the 1988 baseball movie “Bull Durham,” “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.”

The rain has no bearing on how one would handle the win or the loss, but the first part of the quote is something we think everyone should keep in mind: sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.

We think that sometimes it’s OK to go into anything you do in life with these words in the back of your mind,because sometimes you are going to fail. It is also a way to prepare yourself for a loss.

But whether you lose or win,it is always important to have good sportsmanship.

No matter if it is in a sport, or if you and a co-worker are racing to make a deal with an important client, walk away from the results with a firm handshake and a congratulations or a “you’ll get them next time.”

Winning is a tremendous feeling, and no matter how great the urge is to run up to everyone you beat and shove your victory in their face, keep it cordial.

And losing sucks, we all know what that feels like. No matter how much you hate the winner or even the way they won or why they won, tell them you are happy to see them win.

Because it comes down to a simple rule we all know and should follow: treat others how you would want to be treated.

Right now you may be telling everyone you beat to shove it, but when they do it to you the next time you will be the same person complaining that they should not say that. And how would you feel if everyone you triumphed over cursed at you and said they hate you instead of receiving smiles and congratulations?

So in the spirit of competition, we want everyone to remember that life is fun. So have fun.

If you lost, it’s OK to be upset, but don’t take it out on other people, and don’t give up.

Plenty of other chances to win are coming up.

If you win, good job, do not gloat about it. Respect your competitors.

And if you lose, learn from it and congratulate the winner. They are the ones walking away with the trophy, after all.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Just do not let the rain be your tears after a loss.

The News desk can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].