With the 2007 baseball season in full swing, here is a great story to remind you of the importance of attitude. Larry King, the CNN interviewer and radio/TV personality, tells of a visit to Miami’s Joe Robbie Stadium before a spring training game. King says manager Tommy Lasorda was introducing him to players and having a good time. They walked past Eddie Murray at first base and Lasorda said, ‘Hey, Eddie, how you doing?’ Murray replied simply, ‘Okay.’
At that, Lasorda went wild. “Okay? Okay? Two million dollars a year. It’s March. There ain’t a cloud in the sky. You’re standing there wearing a major-league uniform. You’re thirty-three years old, you’re going to the Hall of Fame, and you’re saying okay? You say, ‘Great, Tommy!’” Murray, looking at Lasorda like he was a maniac, seemed at a loss for words. Lasorda tried again, “You say it: ‘I feel great!’” So Eddie started saying, “I feel great!”
I have heard my friend Bill Glass, professional football player and evangelist, say many times, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” By that he means that you will only go as far in life as your attitude allows. Nobody wants to be around or follow someone with a bad attitude.
How do you change your attitude? Your attitude is shaped by what you think about. Our tendency is to focus on the negative, what someone has aptly called, “stinkin’ thinkin.” Too often we are fixated on the challenging circumstances of our life. While you may not be able to change your circumstances, you can change your attitude. Perhaps you have heard the old rhyme, “Two men looked past prison bars. One saw mud, the other saw stars.”
Philippians 4:8 reminds us of the importance of what we think about, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Men, I encourage you to do an attitude check. Is your attitude in line with things mentioned in the verse above? If not, what will you do about it?
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Don't Give Up!
In his book A Call to Excellence, author Gary Inrig describes the record for the shortest major league baseball career in history. Harry Hartman was pitching for the old Brooklyn Dodgers. He was a gifted young ballplayer whose day of glory arrived in 1918 when he was called up from the minors to pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
As he approached the mound, he was thinking that this was the moment he had dreamed about, the beginning of a great career. His dreams began to fade, however, when his first pitch was hit for a single. The next batter tripled. Rattled, Hartman walked the next batter and the next hit for a single. The next batter tripled. Rattled more, he walked the next batter on four straight pitches, and when he did throw a strike to the next hitter, it went for a single.
Frustrated and dejected, Hartman had had enough. He headed for the showers, dressed, and walked out of the stadium to a naval recruiting office, where he enlisted. The next day, he was in a military uniform, never to be heard from in professional baseball again.
When I read that story, I wondered if Hartman ever had regrets about giving up too quick on professional baseball. Think of all the time and energy he expended to get to the place of being a major league ball player. What if he had stayed in baseball, practicing more and working harder to be a better pitcher? Could he have had a long, successful career in baseball? Could he have made the All-Star team or even been a Hall of Famer? You and I will never know the answer to those questions because Harry Hartman quit.
Are you considering quitting something because it is hard? Let’s face it, sometimes it is hard to be married, to be a father, to stay with a challenging career or to build a ministry. At times quitting looks very attractive as a quick way to escape the pressure, discouragement or boredom of hard things. God has a strong word for those who look at quitting as an easy way out, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"(Galatians 6:9).
God promises to honor our efforts if our desire is to please Him and grow His Kingdom. Perhaps we will not see the full results of our perseverance in this life, but there is a payday someday, when God will reward your work.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
As he approached the mound, he was thinking that this was the moment he had dreamed about, the beginning of a great career. His dreams began to fade, however, when his first pitch was hit for a single. The next batter tripled. Rattled, Hartman walked the next batter and the next hit for a single. The next batter tripled. Rattled more, he walked the next batter on four straight pitches, and when he did throw a strike to the next hitter, it went for a single.
Frustrated and dejected, Hartman had had enough. He headed for the showers, dressed, and walked out of the stadium to a naval recruiting office, where he enlisted. The next day, he was in a military uniform, never to be heard from in professional baseball again.
When I read that story, I wondered if Hartman ever had regrets about giving up too quick on professional baseball. Think of all the time and energy he expended to get to the place of being a major league ball player. What if he had stayed in baseball, practicing more and working harder to be a better pitcher? Could he have had a long, successful career in baseball? Could he have made the All-Star team or even been a Hall of Famer? You and I will never know the answer to those questions because Harry Hartman quit.
Are you considering quitting something because it is hard? Let’s face it, sometimes it is hard to be married, to be a father, to stay with a challenging career or to build a ministry. At times quitting looks very attractive as a quick way to escape the pressure, discouragement or boredom of hard things. God has a strong word for those who look at quitting as an easy way out, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"(Galatians 6:9).
God promises to honor our efforts if our desire is to please Him and grow His Kingdom. Perhaps we will not see the full results of our perseverance in this life, but there is a payday someday, when God will reward your work.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Opening Day Is Here at Last!
“Play ball!” Avid baseball fans begin counting the days from the close of the World Series in October until Opening Day when they will hear those two magic words. For over a century, the Opening Day of baseball has been considered the official start of spring by millions. Committed fans may forget anniversaries, birthdays or holidays, but never Opening Day.
Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise, the Cincinnati Reds, were historically awarded the privilege of "opening the Openers" and hosted the outings from 1876-1989. Opening Day is often accompanied by fireworks, bands, speeches, parades and more promotions than can be counted. More than an event, the Opening Day of baseball has become an experience.
On April 14, 1910, President, and baseball enthusiast, William Howard Taft became the first sitting President to attend Opening Day. Since then, eleven sitting U.S. presidents have tossed out the season's ceremonial first pitch. One standout, Harry S. Truman, showcased his ambidextrous talent when he threw out balls with both his right and left arm in 1950.
There have been many Opening Day notables during baseball’s first one hundred years. Ted Williams’ holds the record of hitting in every opening game he played. Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller threw an Opening Day no-hitter in 1940, the only Opening Day no-hitter in Major League history. Hammerin' Hank Aaron ignited the crowd at Riverfront Stadium on his first swing of the 1974 season when he hit his 714th career home run to tie Babe Ruth on the all-time list.
One reason I think so many look forward to Opening Day is the message it sends, the message of beginning again. Every team is starting with the same record. The errors and mistakes of past seasons are forgotten, and a spirit of optimism and hope permeates the diamond. Each team believes that this will be their year, their chance to take a pennant and play for the World Championship. In a sense, Opening Day is a picture of the grace of God.
Though we all live with regrets, God, through His amazing grace, is willing to forgive and accept us as His own. We can all begin again, fresh and new through the miracle of the New Birth. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things are passed away, all things have become new.” The message of this verse is the message of beginning again. There is a God who loves you and can make all things new. May you experience this place of grace.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Major League Baseball's first officially recognized franchise, the Cincinnati Reds, were historically awarded the privilege of "opening the Openers" and hosted the outings from 1876-1989. Opening Day is often accompanied by fireworks, bands, speeches, parades and more promotions than can be counted. More than an event, the Opening Day of baseball has become an experience.
On April 14, 1910, President, and baseball enthusiast, William Howard Taft became the first sitting President to attend Opening Day. Since then, eleven sitting U.S. presidents have tossed out the season's ceremonial first pitch. One standout, Harry S. Truman, showcased his ambidextrous talent when he threw out balls with both his right and left arm in 1950.
There have been many Opening Day notables during baseball’s first one hundred years. Ted Williams’ holds the record of hitting in every opening game he played. Cleveland pitcher Bob Feller threw an Opening Day no-hitter in 1940, the only Opening Day no-hitter in Major League history. Hammerin' Hank Aaron ignited the crowd at Riverfront Stadium on his first swing of the 1974 season when he hit his 714th career home run to tie Babe Ruth on the all-time list.
One reason I think so many look forward to Opening Day is the message it sends, the message of beginning again. Every team is starting with the same record. The errors and mistakes of past seasons are forgotten, and a spirit of optimism and hope permeates the diamond. Each team believes that this will be their year, their chance to take a pennant and play for the World Championship. In a sense, Opening Day is a picture of the grace of God.
Though we all live with regrets, God, through His amazing grace, is willing to forgive and accept us as His own. We can all begin again, fresh and new through the miracle of the New Birth. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things are passed away, all things have become new.” The message of this verse is the message of beginning again. There is a God who loves you and can make all things new. May you experience this place of grace.
Shoulder to Shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Disappointment, His Appointment
Here is one more baseball story in honor of the ongoing World Series ...
Steve Bartman grew up in Chicago, coached little league and was a lifetime Cubs fan. He was sitting in a front row seat along the left-field line in Wrigley Field watching game six of the 2003 National League playoff. The Cubs were leading the Marlins 3-0 and were ahead in the series three games to two. They were five outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1945, and possibly winning it for the first time since 1908.
The Chicago fans watched in horror as the Cubs defense disintegrated. After several Cubs errors, the Marlins ended the inning with eight runs, eventually winning the game and forcing a seventh game in the series. Bartman had to be led away from the park under escort for his own safety. Many other fans attempted to throw garbage at him and Bartman had to shield himself with his jacket. Some Cubs fans blamed Bartman for the Cubs losing this game and, ultimately, their chance at reaching the World Series (which the Marlins went on to win).
For months after the incident, Bartman's name was used as the butt of jokes on late night television and spoofed on multiple sit coms. The name "Bartman" eventually found its way into the baseball lexicon describing any fan that interferes with play during a game.
Disappointment is a powerful and potentially destructive emotion. Unmet goals, unrealized dreams and dashed expectations can take their toll on us, sapping our strength and energy, even leading to despair. Years ago I came across a poem by Edith Young that helped me put my disappointment in the right context. I want to share it with you.
"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho' it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.
"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan in Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, no regretting --
"Father, not my will, but Thine."
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Steve Bartman grew up in Chicago, coached little league and was a lifetime Cubs fan. He was sitting in a front row seat along the left-field line in Wrigley Field watching game six of the 2003 National League playoff. The Cubs were leading the Marlins 3-0 and were ahead in the series three games to two. They were five outs away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1945, and possibly winning it for the first time since 1908.
The Marlin batter hit a long pop foul ball in Bartman's direction. Cubs left fielder Moises Alou was in position to attempt a catch, but Bartman, who was watching the ball and not the fielder, blocked the ball from Alou's glove. Alou slammed his glove down in frustration, and the Cubs argued for an interference call. The umpire ruled no interference and the game continued.
The Chicago fans watched in horror as the Cubs defense disintegrated. After several Cubs errors, the Marlins ended the inning with eight runs, eventually winning the game and forcing a seventh game in the series. Bartman had to be led away from the park under escort for his own safety. Many other fans attempted to throw garbage at him and Bartman had to shield himself with his jacket. Some Cubs fans blamed Bartman for the Cubs losing this game and, ultimately, their chance at reaching the World Series (which the Marlins went on to win).
For months after the incident, Bartman's name was used as the butt of jokes on late night television and spoofed on multiple sit coms. The name "Bartman" eventually found its way into the baseball lexicon describing any fan that interferes with play during a game.
Disappointment is a powerful and potentially destructive emotion. Unmet goals, unrealized dreams and dashed expectations can take their toll on us, sapping our strength and energy, even leading to despair. Years ago I came across a poem by Edith Young that helped me put my disappointment in the right context. I want to share it with you.
"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God's better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho' it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.
"Disappointment -- His Appointment"
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life's plan in Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, no regretting --
"Father, not my will, but Thine."
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The shame heard round the world
When baseball fans talk about the shot heard round the world, they are not referring to the start of the American Revolution, but to the 1951 homerun that won the National League championship. The New York Giants were playing on their home field against their cross town rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers. They had split the first two games of the three game playoff. In the bottom of the ninth, Brooklyn held a demanding 4-1 lead and seemed to have clinched the pennant.
The Giants scored one run and placed two men on base while only using one out. Then, Bobby Thomson stepped to the plate against Ralph Branca, who had been brought in to replace a tiring Don Newcombe. Thomson hit the 0-1 pitch deep into the left field stands and the crowd erupted. Giants' fans swarmed the field to share in the victory and carried Thomson on their shoulders, while Branca slowly walked off the field in stunned silence.
In his new book, The Echoing Green, Joshua Prager reveals a secret that possibly gave Bobby Thompson an edge. The Giants had been stealing signs. A Giant coach, stationed behind the center field fence, was clandestinely observing the opposing catcher’s signals through a telescope and relaying the signals to the Giant batters. Knowing which pitch was coming obviously gave Thompson an edge. Though Thompson and the Giants won the game, the revelation that they did so by cheating tarnishes the victory.
You and I live in a world where we are constantly tempted to compromise our convictions and standards in order to get an edge on our competitors. The allure of success, whether in business of other arenas, often overpowers the small voice of conscience. In Luke 12:2-3 Christ proclaimed, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” I remind you that God sees and hears all we do and say, and will make it public on the day of Christ’s return. We need to live our lives in such a way that we will not be ashamed when we stand before our Lord.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
The Giants scored one run and placed two men on base while only using one out. Then, Bobby Thomson stepped to the plate against Ralph Branca, who had been brought in to replace a tiring Don Newcombe. Thomson hit the 0-1 pitch deep into the left field stands and the crowd erupted. Giants' fans swarmed the field to share in the victory and carried Thomson on their shoulders, while Branca slowly walked off the field in stunned silence.
In his new book, The Echoing Green, Joshua Prager reveals a secret that possibly gave Bobby Thompson an edge. The Giants had been stealing signs. A Giant coach, stationed behind the center field fence, was clandestinely observing the opposing catcher’s signals through a telescope and relaying the signals to the Giant batters. Knowing which pitch was coming obviously gave Thompson an edge. Though Thompson and the Giants won the game, the revelation that they did so by cheating tarnishes the victory.
You and I live in a world where we are constantly tempted to compromise our convictions and standards in order to get an edge on our competitors. The allure of success, whether in business of other arenas, often overpowers the small voice of conscience. In Luke 12:2-3 Christ proclaimed, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” I remind you that God sees and hears all we do and say, and will make it public on the day of Christ’s return. We need to live our lives in such a way that we will not be ashamed when we stand before our Lord.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
You cannot please everyone!
It’s been many years since baseball great Willie Mays, the “say-hay” kid roamed center field for the Giants. It seemed there was nothing the man couldn’t do in baseball. At the plate he was one of the league’s best hitters with a career total of 3283 hits, and 660 home runs. He was also a fabulous base runner. To top it off, he was a golden glove award winner for four seasons. He was a fan favorite, playing in 24 All-Star games and winning two “most valuable player” awards over four World Series.
When it came time for the Hall of Fame vote, you would have thought it would have been a slam dunk. Yet, when Mays was eligible to be voted into the Hall of Fame, 23 out of 431 baseball writers voted against him. On what basis did these baseball experts think a living legend like Willie Mays should not be in the Hall of Fame? When asked how they could not vote for the all-star, several of the writers said, “Well, he wasn’t always friendly to us!” Since when did friendliness become a criterion for the Hall of Fame?
The Bible teaches us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Certainly this should be our goal. We should not go out of our way to make enemies. We should build more bridges than walls, but the harsh reality is you cannot please everyone. No matter how well you perform, no matter how hard you try, someone will find fault with you.
Even Christ had His enemies. If the Son of God cannot please everyone, what hope do you and I have? Actually, one of the most important lessons I have learned along the way is that I am not called to please everyone, but only to please One, Jesus Christ. In my experience, if I am pleasing to Him, I will be pleasing to most of the people.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
When it came time for the Hall of Fame vote, you would have thought it would have been a slam dunk. Yet, when Mays was eligible to be voted into the Hall of Fame, 23 out of 431 baseball writers voted against him. On what basis did these baseball experts think a living legend like Willie Mays should not be in the Hall of Fame? When asked how they could not vote for the all-star, several of the writers said, “Well, he wasn’t always friendly to us!” Since when did friendliness become a criterion for the Hall of Fame?
The Bible teaches us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Certainly this should be our goal. We should not go out of our way to make enemies. We should build more bridges than walls, but the harsh reality is you cannot please everyone. No matter how well you perform, no matter how hard you try, someone will find fault with you.
Even Christ had His enemies. If the Son of God cannot please everyone, what hope do you and I have? Actually, one of the most important lessons I have learned along the way is that I am not called to please everyone, but only to please One, Jesus Christ. In my experience, if I am pleasing to Him, I will be pleasing to most of the people.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Gregg
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