Some Athletes Never

SOME ATHLETES NEVER seem to age. Jesse Orosco, who pitched for more than ten major league teams during his career, is one such player. In 1999, Orosco rose to the pinnacle of major league pitching appearances with the Baltimore Orioles.

The 42-year-old California native debuted with the New York Mets in 1979. Over more than 25 seasons, the left-hander started only four games, pitching the remainder in relief. After serving as a closer early in his career, Orosco moved to a setup role and often hurled less than one inning per game.

With the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Minnesota Twins, Orioles manager Ray Miller summoned the reliever from the bull pen with two outs in the top of the seventh and his club leading 4–3. The JumboTron scoreboard flashed “1,072” to indicate the pitcher’s record-breaking number of appearances that pushed him past Dennis Eckersly.

When the reliever reached the mound, his infielders gathered to congratulate him, and the crowd of 40,805 at Camden Yards roared its approval. His first adrenaline-filled pitch to Twins second baseman Todd Walker sailed high and tight. Walker drilled Orosco’s next offering, but center fielder Brady Anderson scarcely moved and gloved the hard-hit fly ball for the inning’s final out.

Removed after his two-pitch outing, Orosco walked to the dugout and hugged his 12-year-old son, Jesse, the team’s batboy. Moving to the stands, he kissed his wife, Leticia, and daughters, Natalie and Alyssa.

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POINT What a wonderful moment for the Orosco family and the Baltimore Orioles. All showed appropriate honor and respect for the aging pitcher. Family members hugged and kissed him. Players shook his hand. Fans stood and cheered. Orosco continued to add to his record and had tallied more than 1,250 appearances through 2003.

We regularly honor older athletes for their achievements. But the Bible urges us to show respect for all those who are older. We should listen to their advice and speak to them with respect.

But more than respecting the elderly, we should revere and honor God by our words and through our actions.

GOAL! What are some ways you can show respect to older people?