God's Coaching #276

God's Coaching #276

You’ve probably heard about the “shot heard ’round the world” as you’ve studied American history. In 1837 Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the poem “Concord Hymn,” in which he used the phrase “fired the shot heard ’round the world” to describe the opening gunshots that started the American Revolutionary War at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. But in sports that phrase has a whole different meaning. Longtime baseball fans think of just one thing when they hear “shot heard ’round the world”: the home run Bobby Thomson hit on this day in 1951.

Bobby was an outfielder for the New York Giants (before the team moved to San Francisco). During August 1951, the Giants were more than 13 games out of first place. They won 37 of the next 44 games to tie the Brooklyn Dodgers for first place and to force a three-game play-off to see which team would advance to the World Series. The Giants won the first game, but then the Dodgers won the next one. In the deciding third game, Brooklyn held a 4–1 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Fans started leaving the stadium. However, the Giants got back-to-back singles and a double to make the score 4–2. With runners on second and third bases, Bobby drilled a home run over the left-field fence. Radio announcer Russ Hodges screamed, “The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!” over and over again until he lost his voice.

What’s the Score?

When reporters asked Bobby about his historic hit, the humble outfielder said, “It was just a home run.” He didn’t pound his chest. He didn’t gloat. He didn’t do or say anything to embarrass the Dodgers pitcher who had given up the home run.

As believers in Christ, we can learn a lot from Bobby’s example. Jesus said, “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Bobby’s heroic home run will always be remembered. But what may be more impressive is that his humble attitude allowed him to become lifelong friends with the Dodgers pitcher who allowed his famous hit. When we act humbly, God can lift us up to even greater heights.

On the Ball

Have you ever earned a victory with a game-winning shot, a huge home run, or a magnificent goal? How did you act afterward? If you’re fortunate enough to become a sports hero, remember to be humble.

Coach’s Comment

Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12