Giving Some Time At Bat

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Romans 15:1, NIV

On August 11, 2002, the Chicago Cubs were at Coors Field playing the Colorado Rockies. Although the Cubbies had no chance of making the play-offs, their most celebrated player was committed to doing whatever he could to help his team win as many games as possible. Sammy Sosa was also intent on adding to his impressive home run total.

Each of his first three times at the plate, Sosa hit home runs with two runners on base. That meant that by only the fifth inning, Sosa had hit a trio of three-run homers and tied a franchise record with nine RBIs. Even the Colorado Rockies fans were thrilled with the possibility that Sosa could hit a fourth homer in the game, which would tie the major-league record. They knew (as did Sosa) that in the thin, mile-high air, home runs were more frequent than in other ballparks. The odds were in Sosa’s favor.

To everyone’s amazement, the Cubs’ right fielder decided enough was enough. Sosa voluntarily exited the game before his next at bat. According to Cubs manager Bruce Kimm, Sosa wanted to be rested up for the next day’s game. But that wasn’t all. According to the Chicago skipper, “Sammy was thinking about the other players a little bit, too. It was a good time to get them some at bats. It was a very unselfish move.”^a

Every couple has the same opportunity. We may not be playing ball, but the game of marriage is ripe with opportunities for an unselfish move. Whether it be with the TV remote, the restaurant you choose, the temperature of the room, or anything else, you might consider what it will do for your “team” to give your spouse some at bats.

I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.

—Jane Austen

^a 86

From the book