Outfielders Must Remain Alert

OUTFIELDERS MUST REMAIN ALERT even though a lack of action may cause some to become bored. In 2000, Ron Gant’s physical and mental drowsiness allowed the New York Yankees to tie an unusual major league record.

The Anaheim Angels faced the two-time defending world champions at Yankee Stadium. In the bottom of the third with runners on second and third and no outs, Jorge Posado sliced a wicked line drive to Anaheim left fielder Ron Gant. Gant managed to get his glove on the ball, but then dropped it for an error as Posado raced to second. Since a run would have scored even if Gant caught the ball, the Yankee catcher earned a sacrifice fly.

Scott Brosius followed with a second fly ball that scored Tino Martinez from third. The next batter, Clay Bellinger, lofted yet another high fly to left, sending Gant all the way to the warning track for the catch. But instead of firing the ball back to the infield, the Angel outfielder casually tossed it to his cutoff man.

Posado, who had tagged at second on the catch, alertly noted the mental mistake. Never slowing down, he motored all the way home for the inning’s third run. Staked to the early lead, the Yankees cruised to a 9–1 win.

But interestingly enough, the three sacrifice flies in the third inning tied a major league record first set July 1, 1962, by the White Sox against the Indians and matched by the Yankees the previous June in a shutout over the Tigers.

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POINT Ron Gant’s usual alertness took the day off. The athlete might have been standing in the outfield, but he mentally slumbered.

God gave the gift of sleep to rest our body and restore our mind. But the writer of Proverbs says if we sleep too much, then we’ll be lacking in life. Too much rest can lead to laziness—and that’s a bad thing. By keeping your eyes wide open and staying mentally alert and ready to work, you’ll be able to succeed.

GOAL! Do you ever feel lazy? As your body grows, it’s natural to feel sluggish. But don’t get in the habit of dozing through days. Stay alert and be ready for opportunities that God gives you.