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By Connie Clark

Is there anything more glorious than baseball? I’m not talking about that big league mayhem with its unreal salaries and equally unreal, performance-enhanced muscles. I mean the baseball that’s about to be played in still frozen sports fields and soggy public parks across the country. I’m talking about the baseball that lets you answer, “You!” when your best friend asks, “Who ya’ playin’ today?” The baseball that lets you imagine your last name is Sabathia or Halladay or Webb as you stand on the mound. I’m talking about baseball games where you can still buy a hot dog for a couple of bucks. Where your dad could be manager, and your little brother could be catcher.  I’m talking about baseball that’s a joy to watch, play, laugh at, and cry at.  I’m talking about Little League Baseball.

Here in Southern California, Little League is now in full soggy swing, thanks to the drubbing we got from team El Niño this winter. Over in juniors, the tough, well-seasoned players are sending torpedoes over the fence. And at the t-ball field, the first years look like living bobble heads with their bulky helmets and stubby legs, running the wrong way and not caring a bit. It warms your heart to see them. (A fleece blanket and a soft cushion for your behind help, too, because those bleachers are like frozen ice pops until May.)

If you’re not familiar with Little League, or it’s been a while, I’ll let you in on a little secret.

At the start of every game, players and coaches line up—hats off, hands on hearts—to recite the Little League pledge. And they actually mention God.

Yep, Little League baseball is one of the last public places on earth where God isn’t hidden in some politically correct euphemism. He’s not buried in the last line. He’s right at the beginning:

I trust in God,
I love my country
and will respect its laws.
I will play fair and strive to win.
But win or lose, I will always do my best.

Amazing isn’t it?  With all the brouhaha over God in the media, amid all the protests about putting Mother Teresa’s image on a postage stamp, Little Leaguers still put God first. League rules state that you don’t have to say it. To this day, I’ve never seen a player remain silent during the pledge.

I wish I could say the same for me.

Sure, the world pushes God aside, but I have to admit I’m not much better. I’ll sit up straight in church feeling like a little saint, and as soon as I walk out the door, she takes over. That impatient, sarcastic, judgmental person who makes a big deal out of everything. I think to myself: how can I say those things or have those thoughts, when I’ve just received His precious Body and Blood? Why do I keep forgetting Jesus?

So I need constant reminding that I’m not alone in my sinfulness. That I’m on the most beloved team in history, with a Manager who gives us incredible gifts. Like practice sessions to strengthen us and help us break free of bad habits: that’s Reconciliation.

Friends to stand by us, even when we strike out: the Communion of Saints. Something healthy to eat at every game: the Mass. The Eucharist.

I forget all this on an almost daily basis. But baseball reminds me of something else, too.  No matter how often the world tries to send God to the Minors, he’s always in the game. He’s in the highest fly ball, and in the one that someone missed. He’s in the grace of calmly putting aside an ump’s mistaken call, and in the heartbreak of a season-ending injury. And he’s strong in the heart of that inspiring young player, Grant Desme, who’s putting aside a promising Major League career to follow a major vocation to the priesthood. (And while we’re on the subject, I’d like to shake hands with that kid’s parents, wouldn’t you?)

So when I worry that my kids are growing up in a godless world, I think of baseball and how God created it to give us a little —but not too much—relaxation and fun. And to remind us that no matter how many games we may lose, He’s got a lot of baseball left for us to play. This is gonna be our season. Play Ball!

Connie Clark

Connie Clark is a writer, author, catechist, wife, and mom. Visit her blog at www.alwaysadvent.org

Comments

• Love the analogy! You offer such great insight...I especially love how "she" takes over! Classic and so true for me too! Thanks again!

  Posted on Apr 16th, 2010 at 12:11 PM by nancy castelli

• This a Home Run, Connie, right outta the park!

  Posted on Mar 17th, 2010 at 1:10 PM by Cindy Hurley

• Thank you for telling us about the Little League pledge! It's beautiful, and I especially love the first line, "I trust in God." And how inspiring about Grant Desme! You are amazing; you have made our favorite pastime inspiring!

  Posted on Mar 17th, 2010 at 2:24 PM by Virginia Redman

• Thanks for reminding us that God is everywhere and in everything, even baseball. We are on the greatest team and need to remember that. Thanks for blogging and keeping us on track with humor and great descriptions of the little important things in life.

  Posted on Mar 17th, 2010 at 3:12 PM by Shelby Preusse

• I love the little league analogy! I'm glad I'm on the right team too! (Most of the time anyway!) Beautiful reflection.

  Posted on Mar 17th, 2010 at 3:55 PM by Colleen Duggan

• Our place in life is to find God in all things. Thanks for sharing and reminding us how important it is to have our eyes open, mouth closed and see him working everywhere.

  Posted on Mar 18th, 2010 at 7:19 PM by Kathy Flores

• Thanks Connie. It is nice to see I'm not the only one that struggles with the two sides, angel and demon. As you say, though, we are all on the same team here, and we have all we need to keep getting back in the game!

  Posted on Mar 19th, 2010 at 6:56 PM by Mary Breiner