Some People Say

SOME PEOPLE SAY lightning never strikes the same place twice. But others know that’s not the case. In 1999, the Yankees of yesteryear watched David Cone electrify the crowd with another record-making performance.

A Sunday afternoon crowd of 41,930 gathered at Yankee Stadium for “Yogi Berra Day.” As part of the festivities, former pitcher Don Larsen threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Berra, recreating their historic role in Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

Then Cone took the mound for the Bronx Bombers, and his teammates staked the 36-year-old right-hander to an early 5–0 lead. In the second, Ricky Ledee and Derek Jeter blasted two-run home runs sandwiched around Joe Girardi’s RBI-double.

Despite the 95-degree heat, the 13-year veteran grew stronger as the game went on. Through seven innings, Cone retired 21 straight hitters. However, with one out in the eighth, Jose Vidro rapped a ground ball up the middle that appeared headed for the outfield. But second baseman Chuck Knoblauch ranged to his right, speared the ball with a backhand, traveled four steps, and fired a perfect throw for the 23rd out.

Chris Widger opened the ninth by striking out on three pitches, and Ledee made an awkward running catch of Ryan McGuire’s fly ball for out number two. With the fans screaming, Cone faced Orlando Cabrera for the final out. On a 1-1 pitch, Cabrera popped up into foul territory. Third baseman Scott Brosius gloved the ball, giving Cone a 6–0 victory over Montreal and the 14th perfect game in baseball’s modern era.

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POINT Those fortunate enough to see or listen to the 1956 perfect game surely told the story to their children and grandchildren. But who would have thought David Cone would duplicate the feat on the day honoring Berra and Larsen? However, the unbelievable happened, and all those watching or listening earned the right to pass down their stories.

The writer of Deuteronomy explained the value of passing down stories—God’s stories. Remembering and learning from the past adds richness to the present . . . and the future.

GOAL! Ask an older person to tell you stories about sports, family, or one of their favorite subjects. Praise God for the gift of generations past and their stories.