God's Coaching #98

God's Coaching #98

When Hank Aaron broke baseball’s home run record, it could’ve cost him his life. The Atlanta Braves slugger knocked his 713th homer on September 29, 1973, which put him just one behind Babe Ruth’s all-time mark. With the season over, Hank received numerous death threats and hateful letters that warned him about coming back the next season. These people didn’t want an African American player to overtake Babe’s record. Instead of running scared or responding in anger, Hank stayed dignified and let his bat do the talking.

On this day in 1974, Hank crushed his 715th home run in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. There was extra security in the stadium as Hank rounded the bases and was picked up by his teammates after crossing home plate. Hank retired two years later with 755 home runs. During Hank’s 20-year career, he never hit 50 home runs in a season. Instead, he put up solid numbers year after year, until he became the greatest home-run hitter of all time. Hank hit 40 or more home runs eight times, and in 14 seasons he had a batting average above .300.

What’s the Score?

Hank was a great ambassador for baseball. Shortly after retiring, he was hired by the Braves and became one of the first African American executives in Major League Baseball. In 1982 he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hank persevered during a long and difficult career. When he was threatened, he just kept doing what he loved to do—playing baseball.

The Bible talks about somebody who had a long career for God. The apostle Paul traveled the world telling others about Jesus Christ. When his life was threatened, he didn’t back down. Paul just kept doing what he loved to do—spreading the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. Near the end of Paul’s life, he wrote a letter to his friend Timothy. In it he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” Those same words could easily be used to describe Hank’s baseball career. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could say those words at the end of your life?

On the Ball

What characteristics would you have to show to live a life that could be described in such glowing terms? You’d have to be determined, consistent, faithful. . . . (Add a few ideas to the list.)

Commit yourself to living this way, and you can have a Hall of Fame faith.

Coach’s Comment

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7