Monday Morning Music Ministry

10-21-24

A message tuned to the baseball playoffs and the imminent World Series. And, a personal note about how God views the sport of baseball. I am persuaded that He anoints the National Pastime in a special way. You ask, What makes me think that? How about the very first words in the Bible itself?

“In the Big Inning…”

OK, Strike One… or an error? Play ball:

Athletes are not on pedestals – it would be hard to pitch a slider or shag fly balls if they were – yet often are perceived as role models. The problems and sins and suspensions or penalties make the news, but a high percentage of baseball players are committed Christians. Every team has a branch of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and after games (although TV cameras turn away) players can be seen uniting in prayer… not the least impressive when you see that they are from opposing teams.

Some teams – once again seldom even acknowledged on secular TV and radio – have regularly scheduled “Faith Nights,” with special promotions for church groups and dedicated post-game performances.

A recent development at baseball games is the favorite music of a player heard via loudspeakers as a batter approaches the plate. Players can choose their “theme music,” and many players have chosen Christian songs, to inspire them and to witness to fans in the stands. Brandon Nimmo of the New York Mets is one such player.

Many fans know that Billy Sunday played professional baseball for eight years before becoming one of America’s most prominent, and effective evangelists.

Among baseball players of the recent past and currently on teams, who have been open about their love of Jesus Christ are Todd Zeile, Steven Matz, Daniel Murphy, Andrew McCutchen, Anthony Rendon, Chase Headley, Mariano Rivera, Corey Dickerson, Aaron Nola, Matt Holliday, J T Realmuto, Rajai Davis, Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, R A Dickey, Brian Dozier, Dansby Swanson, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, James McCann, John Smoltz, Aaron Judge, J D Martinez, Nolan Arenado, Ronald Acuña Jr., Jose Altune, Gunnar Henderson, Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor, and the recent minor-leaguer (former football star) Tim Tebow. Managers like Dusty Baker and Dave Roberts specifically praise God for the success they have enjoyed. This is only a partial list, praise God.

The New York Mets’ utility phenom Jose Iglesias is also a songwriter and singer whose stage name is “Candelita.” He recorded a song that shot, this season, the Number One in the Spanish pop charts… and has become theme song of his team’s remarkable successes this year, played not only when he strides to the plate, but after every player’s home run and the team’s victories: OMG. It stands for “Oh My God” and opens with these lines, “OMG, throw all the bad things away from here! OMG, give me health and prosperity.”

Skeptics and cynics often ridicule players who thank God or give Jesus the glory after a win. It is notable, even when overlooked (once again, TV cameras focused elsewhere), that many players thank God too for their health, integrity on the field, and fans’ enjoyment… for we are to thank Him for all things, in all things.

Winning or losing? Very important.

“How you play the game”? More important.

Praising God in all things? Most important!

Play Ball!!!

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A song about baseball, memories, dads, competition, integrity, fathers, and our Father. By a friend-of-a-friend, Bob Bennett.

Click: A Song About Baseball