Thousands Upon Thousands

THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS of runs have been scored in Major League Baseball’s history. But in 1975, Bob Watson tallied a historic run.

During the 1975 off-season, statisticians calculated baseball’s one millionth run would be plated in late April or early May. Seiko Watch Corporation joined the promotion of the notable event and sponsored scoreboards across the country reflecting the countdown.

A Saturday rainout forced the Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants to schedule a Sunday doubleheader. In the first game’s second inning, Astros first baseman Bob Watson walked on four pitches. Jose Cruz followed with a second walk, and catcher Milt May stepped to the plate.

With May standing in the box and Watson on second, the run counter clicked down to one. Almost instantaneously, the catcher belted a home run, and the first baseman began jogging home. When he reached third, Houston teammates in the bull pen urged Bob to sprint home and ensure his spot in baseball history. Watson reached the plate with baseball’s one-millionth run a second and a half before Cincinnati’s Dave Concepcion, who homered at virtually the same time as May during a game in a different part of the country.

Baseball Hall of Fame officials stopped the game and dug up the historic home plate. They also requested May’s bat and Watson’s shoes, retrieved the home run ball from a fan, and placed the items in a special spot in Cooperstown, New York.

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POINTS Bob Watson experienced one of baseball’s golden moments and will forever be remembered in that sport’s Hall of Fame. He didn’t make Cooperstown because of his years as an outstanding player. He made history because of his teammates’ encouragement. If his friends hadn’t helped him, somebody else probably would’ve taken the honor.

In the Old Testament, Moses talked about helping the people around him. Just like Watson’s teammates did everything they could to help him earn a once-in-a-lifetime honor, God wants you to help your friends when they need it. Don’t walk away when God gives you the chance to assist your friends.

GOAL! Describe an achievement in your life that you accomplished completely alone. If you can’t think of one, you’re normal. Now think of something you achieved because of help from friends, teammates, or family members.