Ep 9. Fear Strikes Out

Cory Matthews, the central character of the show Boy Meets World, is a sweet, sensitive, and intelligent boy who is trying his best to navigate the challenges of middle school. In season 2, episode 9 of the show titled "Fear Strikes Out," Cory is struggling with anxiety and insecurity, as he prepares for the school's baseball tryouts.

Cory is a determined young boy who wants to be a good athlete, but he lacks the confidence to believe in his ability. He is worried that he will fail to impress his peers, and this fear is amplified when his best friend, Shawn Hunter, makes the team.

To complicate matters, Cory's father, Alan Matthews, is a former athlete who puts a lot of pressure on his son to succeed and follow in his footsteps. This only creates more pressure for Cory, and he begins to feel like he is letting his father down.

As the day of tryouts approaches, Cory's anxiety begins to peak, and he experiences physical symptoms such as stomach aches and sweaty palms. He confides in his teacher, Mr. Feeny, who suggests that he sees the school counselor, Ms. Dupont.

Ms. Dupont is a kind, empathetic woman who helps Cory to confront his fears and work through his anxiety. She teaches him breathing exercises and visualization techniques to calm his nerves, and she encourages him to focus on his strengths rather than his weaknesses.

Despite his efforts, however, Cory still struggles to perform well during the tryouts. He drops a crucial catch, and he feels like he let his team down. However, his teammates rally around him, reminding him that they are a team and that everyone makes mistakes.

Cory ultimately realizes that his self-worth does not depend on his performance on the baseball field. He learns that it is okay to have fears and doubts, but that he must confront them and work through them instead of avoiding them.

The episode ends on a positive note, with Cory feeling proud of himself for facing his fears and having the courage to try out for the team. He also learns that his father loves him regardless of whether he is a good athlete or not, and that his worth as a person goes far beyond his abilities on the baseball field.

Overall, "Fear Strikes Out" is a heartwarming episode that addresses the challenges of anxiety and insecurity among young people. It promotes the importance of seeking help and support when facing mental health issues and emphasizes the value of self-acceptance and self-compassion.