Meaning: This quote by Robert Frost draws an interesting parallel between poets and baseball pitchers, suggesting that both professions have their moments of brilliance, but it is the intervals between these moments that present the greatest challenge.

In comparing poets to baseball pitchers, Frost is likely highlighting the similarities between the creative process of writing poetry and the physical exertion and mental focus required of a pitcher in a baseball game. Both poets and pitchers must harness their skills and concentration to deliver moments of excellence, whether it be through crafting a beautifully evocative poem or delivering a perfect pitch that elicits awe from spectators.

The analogy also suggests that both poets and pitchers experience periods of downtime or struggle. For a baseball pitcher, the intervals between delivering a successful pitch can be filled with pressure, uncertainty, and the need to maintain focus despite the lulls in action. Similarly, poets may experience periods of writer's block, self-doubt, or the struggle to find inspiration, making the intervals between moments of creative brilliance a challenging aspect of their craft.

In the context of poetry, Frost's comparison may also allude to the idea that the moments of inspiration and creativity are often fleeting, requiring poets to navigate through the intervals of uncertainty and creative stagnation. Much like a baseball pitcher must maintain composure and focus between pitches, poets must persevere through the intervals, honing their craft and remaining open to the muse's elusive presence.

Furthermore, the quote could be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of success and the pursuit of excellence in any field. Both poets and baseball pitchers must contend with the ebb and flow of their respective endeavors, finding ways to remain resilient and dedicated during the intervals when success seems distant.

Robert Frost, as a renowned poet himself, may have drawn from his own experiences to make this comparison. Throughout his career, Frost encountered both moments of literary triumph and periods of personal and creative struggle. His understanding of the challenges inherent in the poet's vocation likely informed his likening of poets to baseball pitchers, emphasizing the resilience and determination required to navigate the intervals and continue pursuing their craft.

In conclusion, Robert Frost's comparison of poets to baseball pitchers offers a thought-provoking perspective on the creative process, the pursuit of excellence, and the challenges inherent in both poetry and athletics. By drawing parallels between moments of brilliance and the tough intervals, Frost underscores the perseverance and dedication required of individuals in any field of endeavor, inspiring contemplation on the nature of success and the resilience needed to navigate through the intervals of uncertainty and struggle.