Tag Archives: Chicago Cubs

A Feel Good Story, No Matter What the Outcome

Posted on October 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you are sports fan, then you understand the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.  However, some cities tend to be tough luck losers, as if a curse is preventing their team from becoming champions.  The nice thing above the 2016 Major League Baseball World Series is that one of two lovable losers will be victorious.  Over the next 5 days, either the Chicago Cubs or Cleveland Indians will break droughts that have lasted a generation or two.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all, 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

On the road to becoming champions, those who finish second are scorned, often labeled as chokers, failures or second losers.  Instead of enjoying the journey like the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, who is the only team to make it to 4 consecutive Super Bowls, the final score devalue their achievement.  Unfortunately, professional sports is a results driven industry causing feel good stories to be ruined by impatient fans, managers and owners.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope, Romans 15:13.

As I look back at my own athletic career, one of my most memorable moments occurred in the least likely of venues.  This didn’t occur during my brief professional golf career or playing Ultimate Frisbee in college.  Rather, my most gratifying experience came in a competitive men’s softball league.  Similar to the character played by Kevin Costner in For the Love of the Game, I played every out like it was my last game.  Whether you call this playing the game the right way or not, I found contentment no matter what the outcome.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Calling Your Shot

Posted on October 12, 2013 by expressyourself4him

As Major League Baseball  widdles October’s 2013 playoff teams from 10 to 4, its a perfect time to reflect upon one of the greatest moments in World Series History.  According to legend, Babe Ruth called his shot, speaking a few words before gesturing with his hands toward the outfield.  On October 1st, 1932, during the 5th inning of game 3, Babe Ruth faced pitcher Charlie Root.  Seconds later, Ruth rounded the bases, hitting a home run, helping his New York Yankees to a 4 games to 0 sweep of the Chicago Cubs.  While Root dismissed Ruth’s prediction, Babe never confirmed or denied calling his shot.

A few thousand years earlier, there was another man who made a similar bold prediction.  Instead of playing baseball, Moses guaranteed to Pharaoh that God would answer his prayer at the exact moment he requested.  According to Exodus 8:8-13, Pharaoh reached a breaking point, overwhelmed by the influx of frogs that had invaded area square each of Egypt.  Showing proper respect to the king, Moses replies, “you set the time and my God will reply.”  Like Babe Ruth, if you talk a big game, you must deliver in the clutch.  Although Moses put his and God’s reputation on the line, the Lord came through like Mr. October, hitting a spiritual home run in Exodus 8:13.

 

Whether you play sports, games or make competitions out of activities, no one likes a cocky person unless he or she is on your side.  Depending upon their skill set, having someone with a heart and mind of a champion can persuade an entire group of people to believe they are invincible.  This belief inspired the words of apostle Paul in Romans 8:37-39, acknowledging the amazing power of God.  While a Christian should try to remain humble, if you acquire a faith like Matthew 22:18-22, you might start calling your shot daily, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to do so, 2 Peter 1:3.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Josh Hamilton in Philly Pinstripes Makes Sense

Posted on December 1, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Like Bill Murray in Scrooged running from the ghosts of Christmas, Josh Hamilton understands the meaning of having a checkered past.  A former number one pick of the Tampa Bay Rays in 1999, this blue chip prospect had his baseball career derailed by a drug addiction.  A living example of 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, Josh Hamilton was led astray by his association with a tattoo parlor which influenced him to experiment with illegal drugs and alcohol.  After a visit to the Betty Ford drug rehabilitation center, Josh improved until failing his first of 2 drugs tests, leading to his exit of baseball for an extended period of time.

Josh’s story and comeback became a national headline after airing on ESPN’s Homecoming with Rick Reilly in January of 2009.  Appearing in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, Josh shared skeletons from his past as well as his new relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  After being traded to the Texas Rangers from the Chicago Cubs, his new team put in place an accountability system to prevent Josh from back sliding into his former bad habits.  Since being acquired from Chicago in 2007, Josh has been selected to 5 all-star teams, won the 2010 American League Most Valuable Player award and led Texas to 2 consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

As a current free agent, teams are afraid Josh’s body will break down physically, revert to his former life or simply isn’t worth the 4 years, 100 million dollar contract experts think he will receive.  This is where the Philadelphia Phillies make a great marriage on and off the field.  With Carlos Ruiz suspended for the first month of the season for using amphetamines, Josh Hamilton would look great between Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.  Although, this would make the Phillies vulnerable to left handed relievers, any right handed starting pitcher might soil their pants every 3 innings when facing these sluggers.

Off the field, Philadelphia has a history of strong charismatic Christian athletes on their professional sports teams beginning with Reggie White with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1980’s.  Former eagle and future NFL hall of famer, Brian Dawkins would make a great mentor for Josh Hamilton, a true example of Jesus Christ.  Meanwhile, Josh could reside in Ocean City, New Jersey, a dry city since its establishment in 1879, a little over an hour drive from Citizen’s Bank Park.  Christians flock from all over the East Coast to this quaint beach side community, a perfect place for Josh to call home.  I may be dreaming of another big free agent signing, yet Josh Hamilton would look great in Phillies’ pinstripes.

by Jay Mankus

former mini-tour member and P.G.A. Qualifying school participant

former staff writer for Travel Golf Media

former Bible teacher, counselor and youth pastor

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