Tag Archives: Pete Rose

Skeletons of Your Past

Despite how perfect some individuals may act, behave and live out on a daily basis, everyone possesses imperfections.  These blemishes often result in a dark side with secret addictions, bad habits or unthinkable acts that would shock the average person.  This collection of scars accumulate into skeletons of your past.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us, 1 John 1:8-10.

There was a time in American history where honesty was the best policy.  However, sometimes revealing a skeleton or two from your past can do permanent damage.  Recently. Pete Rose admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a minor back in the 1970’s.  This confession sent shockwaves across the country, igniting outrage throughout social media.  Based upon the comments posted, it’s as if this was the worst act ever committed.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:16.

The second aspect of confession is taking the steps toward the road to recovery.  Perhaps, this may explain the criticism of Rose over his lack of contrition for his previous transgressions.  Thus, if you want to experience healing from the skeletons of your past, you must learn to walk according to the Holy Spirit.  Based upon the apostle Paul’s advice in 1 Corinthians 10:13, God will provide a way out when temptations arrive.  In your journey toward healing, may the Lord guide you out of bondage to find freedom in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

For Pete Sake

As pitchers and catchers make their way to Spring Training in Florida and Arizona next week, this signifies the commencement of another Major League Baseball season.  Since baseball is the first sport I played as a kid, it holds a special place in my heart.  I remember watching Charlie Hustle, Pete Rose’s nickname, thinking, “that’s the way this game is suppose to be played.”  Unfortunately, Pete’s transgressions as a manager, placing bets on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, has tarnished his image, making Rose ineligible for the Hall of Fame and banished from MLB.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses,” Mark 11:25.

I played baseball for nine years, quitting after my sophomore year of high school to pursue golf.  However, my last coach played in the minor leagues with Pete Rose before blowing out his knee prior to ACL surgeries.  This injury motivated Coach Dillon to push his players, hoping one or more might reach the big leagues.  To my surprise, Pete Rose agreed to be our key note speaker at my final baseball banquet.  After major reconstructive surgery, I met with Pete for about five minutes before he spoke.  While everyone has their opinions of Pete in the media, he couldn’t have been nicer or more sincere.  This lasting memory makes me want to see a happy ending between Rose and Major League Baseball.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Sometimes pride prevents adults from doing the right thing.  Bad feelings, egos and revenge often get’s in the way, causing individuals to take grudges to their graves.  Thus, there is a segment of baseball people who still blame Pete Rose for commissioner Bart Giamatti’s death in 1989, the person who banned him for life.  Though Rose deserves to be banned from coaching and the front office, it doesn’t make sense to keep the all times hits leader out of the hall of fame.  Therefore, for Pete’s sake, don’t let this linger until his death like Shoeless Joe Jackson during the 1919 Black Sox scandal.  Rather, make Pete Rose eligible for the hall and allow the baseball writers to make the final call.  Let me know if you agree or disagree.

by Jay Mankus

 

Thrown Away

Products with the words Made in the U.S.A. were once a symbol of pride, a byproduct of the Industrial Revolution.  Unfortunately, these words are a rare find today.  As consumers searched for alternative and cheaper products, countries like China, India and Taiwan now fill most of the shelves in our stores.  However, you get what you pay for because almost every product made overseas today is created to be thrown away.

While shows like American Pickers, Pawn Stars and Auction Hunters are trying to salvage some of history’s priceless creations, we also live in a culture that throws people away.  Although people aren’t literally thrown into a trash can, individuals are daily thrown under the bus so to speak in the media, on talk radio and in our social circles.  If there was a junk yard for people, names like Joe Paterno, Lance Armstrong and Pete Rose would be present, flicked to the side of the road like a worthless cigarette after it’s been consumed.  After one mistake, the legacy of these 3 men and many others like them have been erased, thrown to curb forever.

There is a verse in the Bible read at almost every wedding, yet forgotten by most people immediately following the ceremony.  1 Corinthians 13:4 says love keeps no record of wrongs.  Unfortunately, true love is rarely displayed, as uncommon as products made in a America.  Yet, if we want to begin recycling, these words must be at the fore front of our minds.  Life is too short to throw away friends, mentors and heroes.  Rather, practice Matthew 6:14-15, forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you, Colossians 3:12-14.  Then and only then can people begin to pick up the pieces of their lives, begin anew with a fresh start and become the workman God desires for us to be, Ephesians 2:10.  Seize the day or be thrown away; the choice is yours!

by Jay Mankus