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“The Church & Baseball" Part 4

Note: Much of the baseball story line comes from the poem, “Casey – Twenty Years Later” by Clarence P. McDonald.

A fictional baseball game during worship pits the best players of all time playing our church. The All Stars are leading 6 to 4 but our players are fighting hard. In the top of the ninth, “Iron Man” Cal Ripken runs home and collides with our own “Big Al” injuring his hand. Al has to leave the game and there is no one to take his place. Our church team manager is getting nowhere asking for a volunteer. No, wait a minute. Someone is coming down from the stands. I’ve never seen him before. Who is this stranger?

In the first column, we introduce the players and hear about: “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer. Everyone knows when Casey comes to the plate there will be victory. Surprise, the result was not successful for the mighty Casey… struck out. In sports, we learn one team has to win and another must lose. Becoming a follower of God was also never meant to be 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 we are meant to play on a team and how we play, win or lose often defines who we are.

The stranger entered the field with a step firm and light; “Give me the mask and mitt," he said; "let's finish the fight. His hair was sprinkled here and there with streaks of gray. Around his eyes and on his brow a bunch of wrinkles lay. As the stranger picked up the catchers mitt and got into position our manager turned his head and sighed. “Play ball!” shouted the umpire and the game resumed.

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In the second column, Paul says using “Baseball” language: “We are all players of his one team, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one team in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs the others.” (Romans 12:4-5) Good baseball players understand their strengths and weaknesses so when playing together as a team they know who plays first base, who bats cleanup and who pitches. Paul challenges us to know our gifts and talents so we know what we are to do. We are needed and wanted and knowing our gifts allows you to contribute to God’s team.

“Larry the Mouth” heaved two strikes, at the mighty Babe Ruth. The stranger caught both and did not seem to heed. On the third pitch, Babe took a ferocious swing and found nothing but air. The side was put out and the score still stood 6 to 4. Our church team had one more chance. “Mean Gene” Farley went out on strikes and “Sorry Charlie” Baer was put out at first. But “Lady Fay” Turner walked and “Lightning Larry” Spencer smashed a double. With players on first and third, up came the stranger.

In the third column, we use a baseball diamond to plot how a church should be a catalyst for spiritual growth. You begin in the batters box by attending and committing to join a local church. Then you move to first. As you strengthen your relationship with God through prayer, classes, retreats and other experiences you move to second base. Third base involves using your God given gifts and talents to serve God through ministry. Home plate is using what you learned to become a spiritual leader.

The strangers’ feet were planted, his face serene, as the pitcher looked his way and grinned before heaving a fastball. The echo of that fearful swat still lingers. High, fast and far the ball flew as it sailed over the high fence. Three runs came in and victory belonged to our church team. The players gathered to cheer the stranger. “What is your name?” For one brief moment the stranger was still, then he smiled and murmured soft and low: “I’m the mighty Casey who struck out twenty years ago.”

Yet, these three columns by themselves seem to miss something. A critical ingredient is left out. Yes, we play as members of God’s team. Yes, we understand our God-given gifts. Yes, we run the bases of spiritual maturity as the church becomes a catalyst for growth but something of God is still missing.

Then I went back to Romans: “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity?” Will God stop loving us if we play poorly and lose to the other team? Casey discovered the eternal answer. “No! Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.” (Romans Parts of 8:35-38)

There’s the missing ingredient: Whether we win or lose. Whether we play or sit in the dugout. Whether or not we are growing in our faith. Whether hitting a home run or striking out… nothing can keep God away. God’s grace will accompany us from the moment of acceptance to the forever of eternity. Now, that’s a sure thing. Enjoy the baseball game of life but in the end you are already a winner with God.

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Last modified July 12, 2004.

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