“The last shall be first, and the first, last.” ~ Matthew
20:16
As baseball fanatics, we celebrate
game-winning plays. But read this story to the very end.
On the last game of our season, we played under a bright sun
on a cloudless, picturesque day. A lazy
breeze wafted out towards center field.
Our Cardinals hadn’t won all season. We were down to our last out in the last
inning of our last game. But we trailed
by only one run.
We had a few excellent players, but Andy just quite couldn't
get the hang of the game. When the
umpire yelled, "Batter up!" Andy nearly jumped out of his skin. Painfully shy, the eight-year old hadn’t hit
the ball all season (or catch it for that matter).
With two outs, it was his turn to bat.
Andy swallowed the lump in his throat and looked out at the
mound. The pitcher, who seemed to be
several feet taller than him, stood impatiently on the mound with a gloved hand
on his hip.
A roar came from about a dozen parents watching from camp
chairs when Andy popped a bloop-single that barely cleared the second baseman's
reach and landed in short right field. Safe
at first base, he grinned like a possum with a sweet potato as his Dad waved
from the stands.
Our next batter was the team’s best slugger. We fully expected him to blast something
deep; maybe even clear the outfield fence.
Finally, we might even win a game.
He didn't let us down.
After taking two inside pitches, he connected a line shot headed towards
right field. With a good jump off first
base, Andy saw the ball coming toward him. In a moment of indecision, he caught it
barehanded.
“If a runner intentionally touches a
live ball, interference is called, the ball is dead and the runner's out.” Rule 5.06(c)(6)
Final out. Game
over. We lost!
Andy clutched the ball, beaming like never before. It never occurred to him that he lost the
game for us. All he knew was he’d hit
the ball and caught it - both for the first time.
Quickly, Coach told us to cheer.
As was customary whether we won or lost, Coach treated us to
ice cream after the game. We gathered as
a team for the final time. What I saw
would forever tickle my heart.
There stood Andy, surrounded by our teammates, acting out
his big hit with such enthusiasm that I imagined it must’ve been someone else. Gone was the shy, scared 8-year old … at least
for now.
We never told him exactly what happened. We didn't want to ruin it for him. Sometimes it’s better to lose and do the right
thing.
Lord, make me truthful, honest, and honorable in
all things. Show me the ability to be
charitable, forgiving, and patient with others.
Help me to accept and appreciate their shortcomings, even as they
understand mine. Amen
