Three Ways Baseball Meets Christian Culture

Baseball season is winding down. Since Bally Sports went bankrupt, we haven’t been able to see the Miami Marlins and that great Ohtani performance of 6 hits and 3 home runs. But if we did get to watch and he struck out 6 times, we’d love it too.  

First…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Today I heard a sports commentator discussing major league baseball and the need to change the rules  in order to fit into the times. Without realizing it, the commentator was giving an explanation of why his foot was in the world and the other foot was being dragged into it as well. The game had to speed up. Spectators no longer had the patience for what is referred to as  ‘a timeless game’. No time limits; it ends when it ends. He himself was always looking at his cell phone, had so many anxious moments when too long a break between calls and texts. Even on the campaign trail, then presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton remarked that we had to change and adjust our religious thinking to the new realities of this world, rather than the other way around.

About baseball Woody Allen once remarked, “Even when there is nothing happening, there is a lot going on.” That is the beauty of the game. As I am writing this, the Miami Marlins are playing the St. Louis Cardinals on TV. It is the bottom of the 7th inning with the score 0-0. What a great game! Yeah, that’s right. To a traditional baseball fan, this is a great game. Nothing happening? Not at all. Lots of defense, lots of strategy, lots of planning, lots of potential outcomes waiting in the wings, soon to emerge or not. Perhaps angels in the outfield guiding these outcomes. The tension excites. Tense, yet relaxing at the same time, removed from the trials and tribulations of this world. Adhering to the virtue of patience. 

Second…

Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.

Isaiah 45:15

This commentator supported the proposed rules of speeding things up on the pitcher’s mound. It could reduce the game time by as much as 30 minutes. Said our culture was no longer in sync with this kind of game and spectators no longer had the patience for it. He forgot the loss of advertising propaganda that would not be viewed by the TV audience.

To borrow some special insights from comedian George Carlin, football is a game of property aggrandizement. Led by army general or quarterback, militarily and corporately designed and organized, their object is to violently obliterate the enemy on their way to conquest. Hardly Christian. Basketball has become that competitive street game, individually cut throat. Hardly compassionate. The teamwork nature of hockey has turned violent. It draws attention. Baseball has quite a different message and philosophy. Get up to the plate. Get a hit and on base. Make your mark in the world. But always remember, your purpose is to come home, to home and your family/team, and keep working at it. Day in and day out. The rural atmosphere, the slow pace, the peaceful ambience is what we all long for. It is the beauty and serenity of the baseball ball park versus sacrificing the slaves in the Roman Coliseum or modern football stadium.

Third…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

So, where would you want to spend your life on this planet? Conform your life to the serenity of the park or the violence of the stadium? Influence the culture of the stadium or society with positive values or eliminate or even destroy the culture of the park or Christian culture itself?

Source: Baglino, Michael J.  2022. More From a Florida Catholic. NY: Penguin Writers.