Funny you should mention that innate ability, sort of like the sixth tool. I was discussing that with someone today.
Innate abilty is what seperates players. IMO, you can practice your brains out and if you don't got it, you don't got it. You can train to be the most athletic on the field, the fastest runner, the best hitter, have the best arm. The player who usually finds most success, is the one who understands the game (or sport) without anyone ever telling them what to do, it's all natural. I don't know where it comes from. My son has a teammate in pro ball, who he feels will be very successful. He rarely goes to the gym to work out. He doesn't WORK at his game until he is on the field. It's a natural ability, as unprepared as he is he is more prepared than many. He's not that athletic either. He is not a STUD.
You have to have athletic ability to participate in sports and keep up with any game you participate in to have success, that's a given. But good genes do not translate4 into stars, they help, but not a given. Lots of factors go into the whole picture.
The whole thing is one really doesn't know how things will turn out until the time arrives, and it arrives differently for all comes either at 12, 15, 23.
This discussion has taken place numerous times here on the HSBBW. I think everyone understands what you are at 12 doesn't determines your future. But the dicussion takes another turn when one begins to compare players using verbs that don't belong in the discussion.
Enough already.