Baseball Catchers Play

BASEBALL CATCHERS PLAY a defined position. But in 2000, Brent Mayne helped his team by taking on a different role.

Mayne, the Colorado Rockies starting catcher, had missed six games before the Rockies hosted the Atlanta Braves. The game was tied 6–6 with two outs in the 11th inning when Colorado manager Buddy Bell brought in John Wasdin, his only remaining reliever. But Wasdin hit Andres Galarraga with a pitch; a scuffle ensued and the umpires ejected both players.

With his team out of fresh pitchers, Brian Bohanon—the previous night’s starter—entered the game and retired Javy Lopez to end the inning. In the 12th, Bell sent Mayne to the mound, the first position player to ever pitch for the Rockies. The catcher picked up two quick outs before surrendering a single and a walk. With the ever-dangerous Chipper Jones in the box, Mayne induced a groundout to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 12th, the Rockies loaded the bases. Colorado sent in third-string catcher Adam Melhuse to pinch hit. Melhuse greeted Braves reliever Stan Belinda with his first major league hit, and Neifi Perez scored in the winning run in the 7–6 victory. Mayne collected the win, the first position player to earn the honor since outfielder Rocky Colavito pitched for the Yankees on August 25, 1968.

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POINT Manager Buddy Bell encouraged Brent Mayne to show his versatility. Going from catcher to pitcher wasn’t easy, but Mayne did it to help his team. And the Colorado Rockies earned the victory.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul gives us the example of his versatility. He adapted to his surroundings and reached people where they were to help expand God’s team. Paul was willing to change his “position” in life to introduce others to Jesus Christ.

GOAL! What “position” do you have in school? Are you a jock, brain, or computer guru? Be willing to follow Paul’s example by breaking out of your clique to share Christ with others. Ask God for the courage and opportunity to be all things to all people.