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“Beaches, Baseballs & Worship?" Part 1

Once a year we have our annual Beach Party Service where we dress casual and act a little crazy but the results are intended to be the same: worship, encouragement and Bible study. This year, the Sunday bulletin had a picture of a boy playing baseball on the cover and the title: “We’re Going to a Ball Game!“ One person entering the church looked at the bulletin and sniffed… “Larry’s lost his mind.”

There is a reason for this particular madness however, so I say to everyone: “Hang in and trust me!”

The worship service was designed to resemble an actual baseball game complete with play-by-play announcer, singing of the National Anthem, popcorn venders and even a mascot from our own Lynchburg Hillcats. Our Timbretones bell choir dressed up crazy, acted a little wild and provided a lively rendition of baseball music. Everything was designed to recreate a baseball game between our church leaders and the best ball players ever to play the game. Look at our “All Star” line up: Wow!

First Base: Lou Gehrig, Iron Man with NY Yankees: Played 2130 Games straight.
Second Base: Rogers Hornsby Played with several teams but ranked just behind Babe Ruth.
Third Base: Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies: Member of 500 lifetime homeruns club.
Shortstop: Cal Ripken, Jr. Baltimore Orioles: Broke Lou Gehrig’s iron man streak.
Catcher: Johnny Bench: Cincinnati Reds: A defensive and offensive powerhouse.
Pitcher: Sandy Koufax: LA Dodgers: Unofficial Triple Crown Pitching Holder.
Outfield: Babe Ruth: NY Yankees: Simply the most dominant hitter of his time.
Outfield: Willie Mays: SF Giants: Famous for the “Basket Catch.”
Outfield: Hank Aaron: Atlanta Braves: Broke Ruth’s lifetime Home Run Record.

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On the other hand… look at the line up our church produced to play the “All Stars:” Pretty pathetic!

First Base: Dan “the Can” Abrams – Biggest feat: He’s been in every jail across three counties.
Second Base: “Mean” Gene Farley – He’s a great hitter: he hit two umpires, three owners… etc.
Third Base: Lady Fay Turner – Only player called for delay of game: putting on her make up.
Shortstop: Rappin’ Donnie Smith – Signed a recording contract: Sings much better than he plays.
Catcher: “Big Al” Baughman – He can’t catch much but who cares: Nobody gets past Big Al.
Pitcher: Larry “The Mouth” Davies – Teaches Pitching classes: Too bad he can’t actually pitch.
Outfield: Lightening Larry Spencer – No! He’s not fast but he’s been struck three times. Ouch!
Outfield: Betsy “Have Spatula will travel” Harkleroad – She can’t play but makes great snacks.
Outfield: “Sorry Charlie” Baer – Charlie can’t catch, can’t hit and can’t throw but he’s so polite.

On paper, this game looks doomed before it starts. Our church doesn’t stand a chance… or do we?

Throughout the service our announcer provides the score. Sandy Koufax strikes out player after player while Larry the mouth is under pressure. The Mighty Babe hits a two run shot over the centerfield wall. Johnny Bench hits another beautiful home run and Hank Aaron brings in Willie Mays. The church crew struggles but “Big Al” knocks in two and we hang on to keep the score 4 to 3 after five innings.

At this point we hear the poem: “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer. Everyone knows when Casey comes to the plate there will be victory. Supremely confident in his unique hitting ability, Casey lets two pitches go and with two strikes Casey readies to take a definitive swing for triumph: “And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.” But as we know, the result was not what we planned…

“Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright; The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light, And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout; But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.”

In sports, we quickly learn the sometimes ugly reality that one team has to win and another must lose. Becoming a follower of God was never meant to be presented as a never ending string of joy, laughter and success. Sometimes, losing, tragedy and grief becomes a part of our journey with God but either way I believe we are meant to play on a team and how we play, win or lose often defines who we are.

To read part 2: "Baseball & God's Team" please click here...

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Last modified June 29, 2004.

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