Tag Archives: sports

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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Engaging Our Culture: March 15-When College Basketball was King

Posted on March 15, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2011 ESPN Films “The Fab Five”

Bible Verse for the Day:

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips, Proverbs 27:1-2.

Biblical Connection:

The Fab Five is one of the greatest assembled class of freshmen basketball players ever to play for the same college. The only other class of freshmen that compares is the UNLV squad led by former NBA star Larry Johnson. What separates the Fab Five from all other groups of players is the cultural transformation and swagger these five young men brought to court each game. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson were to college basketball what the Miami Hurricane players were to college football in the 1980’s. The Fab Five captivated Americans during an era when college basketball was king of this sport.

Despite all these accolades, this team never won a national championship. The closest the Fab Five came to winning was the national championship game where Chris Weber called a timeout when the Wolverines had no timeouts remaining. Former Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley was taught a vital life lesson as a child by his father. This message was clear: “don’t tell people how great you are; show them!” King Solomon shares similar advice thousands of years ago. Avoid boasting and telling others about how great and talented that you are. Rather, let your actions speak for you. Perhaps, if members are the Five Fab were humble, we’d be talking about their national titles.

Closing Song:

Embarrassing moments in life have a way of forcing immature men to grow up quickly. May the words of Solomon and the lyrics of Man Up inspire individuals to follow in the footsteps of the apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 10-Lost and Stolen Talents

Posted on March 10, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1996 film “Space Jam”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path,” Matthew 13:18-19.

Biblical Connection:

 The amusement park planet Moron Mountain is desperate get new attractions. Swackhammer, the owner, decides that Looney Tune characters would be a great fit. Bugs Bunny devises a plan to recruit retired legend Michael Jordan to play Swackhammer’s team filled with stolen talent from current NBA players. Winning this game would release all Looney Tune characters from Swackhammer’s contract by earning their freedom on the basketball court.

Talents can be lost through injury, stolen by unforeseen circumstances or wasted by a lack of desire and effort. I was working for the Michael Jordan Golf Company in Chicago when Space Jam debuted. Michael Jordan’s greatness as a basketball player came from despising losing. When God given talent is enhanced with a passion for greatness, talents are maximized. Yet, according to Jesus, the Devil is working overtime behind the scenes setting to steal, kill and destroy lives. Setting up hedges of protection via prayer is your best option from having talents lost or stolen.

Closing Song:

The greatest threat to modern day faith is believing that the Devil isn’t real. Meanwhile, blaming God for all your problems is simply falling prey to the father of all lies, John 8:44. Although today’s video clip is from a cartoon, the spiritual war detailed in Ephesians 6:12 is no laughing matter. This is why gifts and talents continue to be lost or stolen today. When you feel broken, cry out to the Lord in prayer.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 4-How Money Has Ruined Basketball

Posted on March 4, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 film “Blue Chips”

(Viewer Discretion Advised as Nick Nolte curses a few times during a press conference)

Bible Verse of the Day:

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs, 1 Timothy 6:9-10.

Biblical Connection:

Nick Nolte plays Pete Bell, a college basketball who faces the temptation of ethics at a major division I school. Well before the modern era of NIL deals in college sports: Name, Image, Likeness, trying nationally to recruit the best athletes was like the wild, wild west. For decades, there were always rumors about boosters paying players behind the scenes to come to their school. This is the inspiration behind the film Blue Chips, using college basketball as a hypothetical to illustrate what it must have been like to recruit legendary players Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. In today’s clip, Nolte reveals how money has ruined young basketball players.

For the last 2 months, I decided to leave out certain movie clips with questionable content. However, America has reached an era in which adults naturally speak without a filter. This causes countless individuals to curse in front of children, often taking the Lord’s name in vain or expressing inappropriate words. Nonetheless, Nolte’s honesty reveals what has happened to basketball 40 years later. Money doesn’t allow talented players to pursue basketball for the love of the game. Rather, AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball teams have elevated borderline athletes into stars, forcing high schools and universities to pay them for their services. Subsequently, the love of money has altered many of the most talented basketball players asking, “what’s in it for me?”

Closing Song:

The moment athletes stop pursuing greatness until they get paid, souls are pierced with many kinds of griefs. Whatever your talents may be, do everything for the Lord, Colossians 3:17, so that you avoid being trapped by the love of money.

by Jay Mankus

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