Tag Archives: Baseball

The Message Behind the Music-May 9

Posted on May 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

John Fogerty – Centerfield

Inspiration Behind Centerfield:

As John Fogerty watched Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle as a child, the concept for Centerfield was conceived. These childhood memories led Fogerty to craft the lyrics. While growing up in San Franciso, Fogerty viewed the position of Centerfield as the king, leader of a baseball team. This likely explains the mention of Willie Mays who played centerfield for the Giants. John mixes his own personal experiences playing baseball with the legends that he watched as a child.

Biblical Application:

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do, Ephesians 2:8-10,

Exegesis of Centerfield:

Well, I beat the drum and hold the phone
The sun came out today
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field
A-roundin’ third and headed for home
It’s a brown-eyed handsome man
Anyone can understand the way I feel

Perhaps a reference to excitement for a baseball team, checking the weather to see if the game is on or not. This is either a reference to a newly sodded field or how a facility looks after adults work on the field before opening day. Born again could refer to the first game of the year where everyone is tied for first or a new day and game. John is either referring to Joe Dimaggio or Willie Mays about to score a run.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

John is sitting on the bench, eager to get into this game. Placing thoughts into his coaches’ mind about being able to handle the position of centerfield.

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine
Watching it from the bench
You know I took some lumps
When the Mighty Casey struck out
So say, “Hey Willie, tell Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio”
Don’t say it ain’t so you, know the time is now

John was on a baseball team, but not part of the starting nine. Beside watching from a dugout, John actively followed the Giants and Yankees of Major League Baseball. This explains the name dropping and baseball lingo.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

John thinks he belongs, that he is good enough to play centerfield.

You got a beat up glove, a homemade bat
And a brand new pair of shoes
You know I think it’s time to give this game a ride
Just to hit the ball and touch ’em all, a moment in the sun
It’s a-gone and you can tell that one goodbye

Most people couldn’t afford top quality baseball gear, often playing with hand me downs, The best John’s family could do was a brand new pair of cleats. John is dreaming of what it would feel like to hit a home run.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield (yeah)

John is waiting on the bench, eager, persuasive and vocal about being able to handle centerfield.

Oh, put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Put me in, coach
I’m ready to play today
Look at me, gotta be centerfield

This is like a prayer, begging his coach to call his name after batting to enter this game.

Final Thoughts:

I played baseball for a decade and spent another 7 years playing on a competitive softball team with 7 guys who played college ball. I started my initial softball season batting 10th, trying to prove my worth as a left centerfielder. At the end of my final season, I batted third, sticking to what I was good at, hitting line drives into the outfield gaps and using my speed to hit doubles and triples. Baseball is a thinking man’s game so the more I played, the greater my knowledge and skills developed. Anticipating, positioning and technique enabled me to hold my own until I started coaching my own sons in my early 40’s. Once I learned to enjoy baseball instead of being consumed with winning, I reached my full potential.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 7

Posted on May 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Geoff Moore and the Distance Home Run with Lyrics

Inspiration Behind Home Run:

This song combines Geoff’s passion for sports with the daily grind of life, influenced by the spiritual war going on behind the scenes detailed in Ephesians 6:12. The lyrics point to a repentant player serving as a narrative who looks back at missed opportunities in his life. Using baseball as a playing field, life is filled with tension as individuals pursue success while risking failure. As C.S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, “success is the process of arriving.” Subsequently, life is a journey where a home run is the goal, but you have to be thankful for the singles and doubles in life before you develop the power for greater things.

Biblical Application:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:10-12.

Exegesis of Home Run:

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the Dan Brock Memorial Stadium
Are you ready for an afternoon of baseball?
I hope you are
Because it’s Geoff Moore and The Distance
Going up against the big guy, the Prince of Darkness(Darkness)
It’s been quiet on evolution with Geoff Moore and The Distance
That’s why it’s brought them to the game today
So I want you to kick back and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of Baseball(Baseball)
The teams are assembled
Are you ready?

Like a WWE wrestling match, a Christian band faces the Prince of Darkness, the Undertaker.

PLAY BALL!!

Once you wake up each morning, the action never stops as you can’t call time up in life as time keeps ticking.

The lights go on
Another game day
I grabbed my bat
And headed for the plate
But the first pitch was a curve
And I was done!

This is what is called pitching backwards in baseball, starting a batter out with a pitch usually used for a strikeout pitch.

(umpire) STRIKE ONE!

The Devil maybe somewhat predicable but will throw you a curve from time to time to keep you guessing in life.

I stepped out of the box
Looked the pitcher in the eye
You could read his lips
“Hey, punk, you’re mine!”
So I gave him a wink and said
“Let’s see what you can do”

A glimpse of the mental portion of baseball, the game within a game.

(umpire) STRIKE TWO!

Taking pitches in baseball allows you to see what a given strike zone will be by an umpire.

Gotta keep my eye on the ball
Swing straight and true and follow through
Don’t be afraid, what-ever the call!
Because we’re never alone
Our coach is there to cheer us on
Well, it’s the wind-up
Here comes that ball
You gotta pray and swing
Watch it till, it’s goin, goin, it’s gone!

Basic hitting fundamentals fill this stanza. While baseball is a game a failure, getting out more than hits, you have to keep your head in a game. The moment doubt creeps into your mind, you’ll get yourself out before stepping up to the plate.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, we need a home run

Large scoreboards at stadiums will always let a team know what they need to do in order to win a game.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, we need a home run!

A repetitive chorus could refer to chatter in a dugout during a rally.

You know life can be
Like a baseball game
We’re on the same team
But were not all the same
That’s why we’ve got to learn
To play together

There are too many ME players on a team, self-absorbed and only concerned with themselves. Sometimes you have to lose bad so everyone can get on the same page.

I didn’t join this team to sit on the bench
I’m goin deep, swingin’ for the fence
I got some friends on base, I gotta get home!

Reminds me of the saying, “ducks on a pond,” wanting to come through for your team.

Gotta keep your eye on the ball
Swing straight and true, and follow through
Don’t be afraid, what-ever the call
Because we’re never alone
Our coach is there to cheer us on

Sometimes you have to go back to basic fundamentals in life before you can be successful.

Well it’s the wind-up
Here comes that ball
You gotta pray and swing
Watch it till it’s goin goin, it’s gone!

For confident players, hitting a baseball comes naturally. Yet for the doubters struggling to hit, you need prayer and good technique to break out of a slump.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run!
I want a home run

Visualization can help a batter.

Ho, ohho, ohh, oh
Ho, ohho, ohh, oh
Ho, ohho, i want a home run!

Confidence and visualization can lead to big hits.

We are not the first to play this game
Or stand over this plate
We are surrounded by the legacy
I can see them in the stands
I can see them wavin their hands
Sayin, “go, go all the way!”

Geoff is referring to the Bible Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. Learn from their example.

(umpire) it’s goin, it’s going it’s going
Oh my!
It’s outta here!
That baby is gone (gone)

Come on now

Typically, an umpire will only make this call for homeruns down the lines.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

While you don’t need a homerun to score, most major league teams are too reliant on homeruns.

Hey it’s gone,gone now

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

Hey it’s a homerun

This repetitive chorus echoes the excitement of hometown fans after a homerun.

Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, oh
Oh, ohho, ohh, home run

Since not everyone has the power for a homerun, enjoy every time you get on base.

Final Thoughts:

Decades ago, ESPN ran a series of commercials entitled Chicks Dig the Long Ball. This successful advertisement inspired baseball players to swing for the fences. While homeruns did increase, strikeouts rose as well. This is the age of baseball where players swing for the fences but usually strikeout. This is not the game that I grew up playing where speed could get you on base and eventually home, manufacturing the game winning run. Maybe this style of baseball will return. Yet for now, the home run reigns.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 6

Posted on May 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Peter, Paul and Mary – Right Field (25th Anniversary Concert)

Inspiration Behind Right Field:

This song was written by a former right fielder, Wayne Welch. Right Field was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1987. Wayne was inspired by his childhood days standing in right field, more concerned with his surroundings than the actual game going on. Always being the last one selected for a team led Welch to appeal to individuals who are overlooked and undervalued in life. When metrics are applied strictly to baseball, certain players are never given the opportunity to play the position of their choice.

Biblical Application:

“Now what have I done?” said David. “Can’t I even speak?” 30 He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. 31 What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him. 32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” 33 Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth,” 1 Samuel 17:29-33,

Exegesis of Right Field:

Saturday summers, when I was a kid
We’d run to the schoolyard and here’s what we did
We’d pick out the captains and we’d choose up the teams
It was always a measure of my self esteem
‘Cause the fastest, the strongest, played shortstop and first
The last ones they picked were the worst
I never needed to ask, it was sealed,
I just took up my place in right field
Playing

Before you were old enough for Little League, neighborhood kids would play pickup games at the local ball field similar to the film Sandlot. Since Wayne wasn’t fast, strong or tall, he was always one of the last 2 selected and was assigned right field every time.

Right field, it’s easy, you know
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That’s why I’m here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow

This stanza is true in professional baseball as well as the least athletic player is assigned right field today.

Playing right field can be lonely and dull
Little Leagues never have lefties that pull
I’d dream of the day they’d hit one my way
They never did, but still I would pray
That I’d make a fantastic catch on the run
And not lose the ball in the sun
And then I’d awake from this long reverie
And pray that the ball never came out to me, here in

Right field is the last place someone would hit a ball. Subsequently, managers would try to hide their worst player in this position. Parents and players in right field were nervous of a ball hit in their direction..

Right field, it’s easy, you know
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That’s why I’m here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow

Without much action, bored players would lose focus by checking out the different types of weeds in this section of the outfield.

Off in the distance, the game’s dragging on
There’s strikes on the batter, some runners are on
I don’t know the inning, I’ve forgotten the score
The whole team is yelling and I don’t know what for

Right fielders are so far away from the action, that they aren’t mentally into a game like the infielders.

Then suddenly everyone’s looking at me
My mind has been wandering; what could it be?
They point to the sky and I look up above
And a baseball falls into my glove

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Here in right field, it’s important you know
You gotta know how to catch, you gotta know how to throw
That’s why I’m here in right field, just watching the dandelions grow

It’s hard to have your head into the game when you might get a ball hit to you once or twice in a six-inning game.

Final Thoughts:

I stopped playing baseball in high school when I wasn’t tall enough or strong enough to throw a ball 80 miles an hour. While I was always 10 miles slower than most pitchers, I had great command. I was the ace pitcher on my Junior High team, going 2-0 with a near no hitter in the final game of the season. Yet, I wasn’t allowed to try out for a pitcher in high school. Despite batting 400 on the freshman team, I made a mental error in the season opener and rode the bench the rest of the season. The use of metrics in baseball today is preventing young boys like me from advancing to a higher level in baseball. Right fielders in Little League often quit after turning 13, not interested in baseball anymore.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 5

Posted on May 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Trace Adkins – Swing (Official Music Video)

Inspiration Behind Swing:

Trace Adkins uses baseball as a metaphor for picking up dates at a bar or nightclub. As a group of men are sitting at a table, one guy gets up, looking to mingle with a woman, hoping to get her number. Failing to achieve this feat is like striking out in baseball. Just as baseball players have their ups and downs during a season, the same principle applies to life filled with disappointment, heartbreak and success.

Biblical Application:

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ – Matthew 13:14-15.

Exegesis of Swing:

Take me out to the ball game

A desire to go to a game in person instead of watching on television.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Once you go out where you have a chance to meet people, don’t be afraid to ask or fail.

(Strike one)
Hey baby, do you do come here often?
(Strike two)
Hey baby, now what’s your sign?
(Strike three)
Hold on now where you goin’? (He is out)
Jimmy’s out, next in line

Jimmy is the first one to introduce himself to a person he is interested in. He fails miserably as another guy at his table gets up to try.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Swing is symbolic of taking a risk and missing completely.

(First Base)
Why yes, I went to Harvard (safe)
(Big league)
I majored in pre-med (he’s got a big lead)
(Picked off)
Just stayed for one semester (it’s gonna be crazy)


Tom’s out, who’s next?

While Tom made an instant connection, his lies to impress this woman were quickly exposed.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

The next guy at the table shakes off his nerves and approaches a woman.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing it now

Perhaps Trace is suggesting that they’ll never know if you don’t ask or try.

Everybody strikes out nine times out of ten
But you got to step up to the plate son
‘Cause every now and then

Don’t let failure keep you from pursuing another relationship.

(Fast ball)
She walked right up to me (here’s the pitch)
Said, could I take you home? (There is a drive)
(Could be)
Hey boys, I’ll see you later (it could be, it… it is!)
Goin’, goin’, goin’, gone

The fourth guy is finally successful, driving a girl home.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Don’t be shy, get up and try.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Don’t let rejection prevent you from introducing yourself.

Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter
Swing, batter, batter, swing

Holy cow!

Keep on trying as you never know who you will meet next.

Final Thoughts:

When my parents moved to Ohio, I spent a few summers there in college. When I wasn’t working, I was either playing sand volleyball at Geauga Lake, singing karaoke or going dancing on the Flats in Cleveland. While I had the time of my life, I met more girls on Christian conferences and retreats than clubs. I didn’t have to pretend to be somebody else, I could just be me. However, Trace is right about keeping trying. If you don’t ask someone that you like, you’ll never know how things could have turned out.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 4

Posted on May 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Les Brown & His Orch. – Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio (1941) HD

Inspiration Behind Joltin’ Joe Dimaggio:

When Joe DiMaggio made his Major League Baseball debut for the New York Yankees in 1936, fans immediately could tell that a baseball sounded different after making contact with his bat. This jolt of power combined with Joe’s flair that he demonstrated with each swing of a bat made DiMaggio an instant fan favorite. As World War II began to intensify, Les Brown and His Orchestra debuted this song in 1941, serving as a distraction to what was going on outside the United States. It wasn’t until the bombing at Pearl Harbor when MLB began to consider cancelling until this war was over. Ultimately, Dimaggio’s record setting 56 game hitting streak which still stands today took place in the summer of 1941. This is the true inspiration behind Joltin’ Joe.

Biblical Application:

A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.[a] 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels[b]; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.[c] His shield bearer went ahead of him, 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

Exegesis of Joltin’ Joe Dimaggio:

[Intro]
Hello Joe, whatta you know?
We need a hit so here I go
Ball one (Yea!)
Ball two (Yea!)
Strike one (Booo!)
Strike two (Kill that umpire!)
A case of Wheaties

The one hit refers to keeping Joe’s hitting streak alive.

[Verse 1: Betty Ronney]
He started baseball’s famous streak
That’s got us all aglow
He’s just a man and not a freak
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

This streak kept fans on the edge of their seats, hoping it didn’t end while they were in attendance.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]
Joe, Joe DiMaggio
We want you on our side

Opposing pitchers feared Joe.

[Verse 2: Betty Ronney]
He tied the mark at forty-four
July the 1st you know
Since then he’s hit a good twelve more
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

Every day at the ballpark was buzzing, wondering how many more games this streak will continue.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]

[Verse 3: Betty Ronney]
From coast to coast that’s all you’ll hear
Of Joe the one man show
He’s glorified the horsehide sphere
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

Joe also had a flair with how he ran and slid safely into second or third for an extra base hit.

[Hook: Les Brown Orchestra]

[Verse 4: Betty Ronney]
He’ll live in baseball’s Hall of Fame
He got there blow by blow
Our kids will tell their kids his name
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

These lyrics have come true as no player has come close to Joe’s hitting streak.

[Verse 5: Betty Ronney & Les Brown Orchestra]
We dream of Joey with the light brown bat
Joe, Joe DiMaggio
We want you on our side

When a player is this great, every fan wants him on their team.

[Verse 6: Betty Ronney]
And now they speak in whispers low
Of how they stopped our Joe
One night in Cleveland Oh Oh Oh
Goodbye streak DiMaggio
Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio

This song ends with a history lesson, where Joe’s hitting streak ended.

Final Thoughts:

As a former baseball coach, the average hitter experiences cold and hot streaks. When filled with confidence, hitting can be easy. However, once players fall into an extended slump, going hitless, just making contact is difficult. Hand to eye coordination, shortening your swing and fouling off tough pitches all play a role in a batter getting on base. While a modern-day player could possibly come close to Joe’s record, most don’t have the discipline and patience to get at least 1 hit in two consecutive months of playing game after game.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-May 1-Baseball, Beauty and Hope

Posted on May 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Kenny Rogers Baseball Song The Greatest

Monthly Theme:

I grew up in an era where spring in the United States of America was centered around baseball, apple pie and going for a ride in your vehicle. While times have changed as baseball has been passed in popularity by football, spring is still filled with the beauty of blooming flowers and fauna. These visible signs of spring provide hope that winter is over, and warmer weather is here to stay for a while. May’s allotment of musicians hopes to capture these themes.

Inspiration Behind the Greatest:

The Greatest was spawn from a childhood experience that Kenny Rogers had growing up. Rogers believes that the best stories are the simplest ones like a boy learning how to hit a baseball. This country song uses baseball as a metaphor to illustrate themes of self-resilience, self-belief and how you define success in life.

Biblical Application:

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:21-24.

Exegesis of the Greatest:

Little boy in a baseball hat
Stands in the field with his ball and bat
Says, “I am the greatest player of them all”
Puts his bat on his shoulder and he tosses up the ball

Perhaps Kenny has a flashback of his child, participating in solitary play, tossing a whiffle ball up in his backyard. Or Kenny is observing a child learn how to hit a baseball for the first time.

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down
Swings his bat all the way around
The world’s so still, he can hear the sound
The baseball falls to the ground

Despite an intense amount of concentration this initial attempt to make contact fails.

Now the little boy doesn’t say a word
Picks up his ball, he is undeterred
Says, “I am the greatest there has ever been”
And he grits his teeth and he tries it again

Despite experience failure, this little boy still believes that he’s become a great hitter.

And the ball goes up and the ball comes down
Swings his bat all the way around
The world’s so still, he can hear the sound
The baseball falls to the ground

When making contact isn’t achieved, this boy looks forward to tomorrow, with another chance at success.

He makes no excuses
He shows no fear
He just closes his eyes
And listens to the cheers

This boy uses visualization techniques as if to plan what he wants to do tomorrow.

Little boy, he adjusts his hat
Picks up his ball, stares at his bat
Says, “I am the greatest, the game is on the line”
And he gives his all one last time

This boy doesn’t give up, eager at a chance for redemption to finally make contact.

And the ball goes up like the Moon so bright
Swings his bat with all his might
And the world’s as still as still can be
And the baseball falls and that’s strike three

There were no participation awards when I grew out, if you struck out, you went back to the dugout to sit on the bench.

Now it’s suppertime and his mama calls
Little boy starts home with his bat and ball
Says, “I am the greatest, that is a fact
But even I didn’t know I could pitch like that”

Failure helps identifies strengths and weaknesses. This boy doesn’t look at striking out as a failure. Rather, he turns his attention toward pitching.

Says, “I am the greatest
That is understood
But even I didn’t know
I could pitch that good”

Confidence hasn’t left this little boy. There is still hope that one day he’ll be a great athlete.

Final Thoughts:

As a former little league coach for 5 years, every team is different. Some teams can hit but are slow base runners. Others are great bunters, but don’t know how to catch. Talented players take too many chances, and fast pitchers often walk the bases loaded. Subsequently, finding the right position, swing and developing proper fielding techniques take time. As long as desire doesn’t die after extended periods of failure, young baseball players can become as great as their talent and work ethic take them.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: April 9-Giving to a Friend in Need

Posted on April 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Sandlot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:17.

Biblical Connection:

As a former baseball player and coach, Sandlot is one of those classic baseball movies to pass down to the next generation of ball players. While James Earl Jones plays Mr. Mertle, he is the owner of Hercules, the baseball eating dog who the boys in Sandlot refer to as the Beast. After Scotty Smalls accidentally takes his father’s ball signed by Babe Ruth to play with the boys, it ends up in Mr. Mertle’s backyard which sets the scene for today’s video clip.

The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t need the things that I have amassed and collected over the years. As I’m about to move for the second time in three years, I find myself willing to give away some of my collections. Perhaps, this is what went through James Earl Jones’ mind playing Mr. Mertle. Realizing the trouble that Scotty was in with his father, Mr. Mertle was willing to let go one of his prized possessions. In return, all Mr. Mertle requested was companionship talking baseball.

Closing Song:

When you give out of the goodness inside your heart, there’s not many better feelings like this in life. While the Bible, church and your parents may have encouraged you to give, this I something that I’ve learned through the tugging on my heart. The next time you have the opportunity, give to a friend or stranger in need.

by Jay Mankus

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An Extra Cautious Parent

Posted on September 22, 2023 by expressyourself4him

Shortly before I began serving as the Youth Director for First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Indiana, one of my future junior high students was accidentally run over by her father. Apparently, she was one of the top female tennis players in town and was stretching in her family driveway. In a rush to get to work, her father backed his car up running over her knee. This careless mistake caused her father to become extra cautious in the future, struggling to forgive himself.

Then they took Joseph’s [distinctive] long garment, killed a young goat, and dipped the garment in the blood; 32 And they sent the garment to their father, saying, We have found this! Examine and decide whether it is your son’s tunic or not. 33 He said, My son’s long garment! An evil [wild] beast has devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. 34 And Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned many days for his son. 35 And all his sons and daughters attempted to console him, but he refused to be comforted and said, I will go down to Sheol (the place of the dead) to my son mourning. And his father wept for him, Genesis 37:31-35.

According to Moses, Jacob experienced similar emotions after receiving the news that his favorite son Joseph had been mauled by an animal, ( fictional account). Subsequently, when ten of his sons tell Jacob that he must send his youngest son Benjamin to Egypt, he refuses to do so. Moses describes Jacob as a parent thinking about the worst-case scenarios if he were to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt. Jacob became extremely protective of Benjamin, wanting to keep him safe from any harm.

Now when Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, Why do you look at one another? 2 For, he said, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; get down there and buy [grain] for us, that we may live and not die. 3 So ten of Joseph’s brethren went to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph’s [full] brother, Jacob did not send with his brothers; for he said, Lest perhaps some harm or injury should befall him, Genesis 42:1-4.

When I was a young parent raising three kids with my wife Leanne, I was consumed with my new teaching position at Red Lion. However, after I became aware of an issue with one of James’ baseball coaches, I was prompted to become more active in my children’s lives. This one incident led me to become an extra cautious parent. The following year I became an assistant coach for James’ team and coached Daniel’s team four years in a row. While it’s natural to become an extra cautious parent, at some point you have to let go and allow the Lord to be in control, Proverbs 19:21.

by Jay Mankus

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A Habitual Faith

Posted on September 6, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As a child, exceling as a student did not come naturally to me. Playing sports did, but only baseball was easy and natural. If I wanted to get better, habitually practicing was my goal. I spent most of my free time playing ball outside, hitting tennis balls against the side of our house and playing the course golf course that I created in my backyard. Unfortunately, I wasn’t gifted with great size or strength, so I learned to be gritty, willing myself to get better and enhance my skills daily.

But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts], 1 John 1:7-8.

When I became a Christian at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event in the middle of my sophomore year of high school, I began to apply these same principles to my faith. I started a Bible Study at my house, even though I didn’t know what I was doing. My drive to become a better Christian led me to join a weekly accountability group, attend a Methodist youth group religiously every Sunday night and pursue opportunities for monthly retreats. By my senior year, I was appointed the Program Director for my FCA huddle meetings at Concord High School.

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action], 1 John 1:9.

Yet, this is not what a habitual faith resembles. During a Christian retreat in college, pastor Tommy Nelson introduced me to “Spit Baths.” Pastor Nelson was referring to Christians who schedule time with God daily, but their Bible Study and prayer times are short and meaningless. This message has stuck with me over the years, urging me to dig deeper into God’s Word and pour out my heart to God in prayer. Genuine habitual faith occurs when believers naturally keep in step with the Holy Spirit, daily sharing with others what God is teaching you about the Bible and how it applies to life. May this blog inspire you to pursue a habitual faith.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 207: Victory Belongs to Jesus

Posted on August 27, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Today’s song comes from a man who was drafted by the New York Mets to pursue a professional baseball career. Following his college career at a Community College in Mount Carmel, Illinois, Todd Dulaney believed the Lord was calling him to become a professional athlete. Yet, like any journey with God, you approach crossroads and as time passed Todd’s true calling was as a gospel singer.

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [i][upon the soul] through [j][the abuse of] the Law. 57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.

Victory Belongs to Jesus is based upon the words of the apostle Paul in the passage above. While Todd doesn’t directly quote this verse in the lyrics, he sings about Jesus’ victory over death. While the Jewish leaders who convinced Pilate to crucify Jesus instead of Barabbas, John 18:40, God waited three days to complete this incredible comeback victory in the form of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

by Jay Mankus

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