I remember that day very clearly. I was 11 or 12 years old, the Leadoff batter for Mc Donald’s Dairy, at the first game of the season and facing the first pitch of the season. My friend Rocky was pitching and the first pitch came my way. As it flew in my direction it looked huge; I just knew that I was taking this one to left field. I shifted my stance and stepped into the pitch. Sad to say that I did not hit the ball into left field, in fact; I did not hit the ball at all.
As I lay on the ground wondering what happened, the umpire to told me to take my base. I looked up at the pretty blue sky and the people looking down at me, I thought “this is not what I planned”. Getting to my feet with blood dripping from my face I took my base. The first hit of the season was made by my ex friend Rocky and his curve ball.
I don’t remember much about the rest of that game, except that somehow I made it to second base. I’d love to tell you that I stole second, but I just don’t remember. No doubt I made it on a fielders choice, but I do remember scoring from second on the next play and that our team won the game.
It was easy playing my position, as a catcher I wore a nice metal mask and you could hit me in the face all day without a problem. It was walking to the plate, without a mask that was difficult. I had two choices, stand in the batters box and hit the ball or walk away AFRAID.
Situations and trials may knock us down! The enemy might think he has won, but when we keep getting back up, the enemy loses power over us. Each time we step up to the plate, we earn another victory. So no matter the problem life brings, lets remember the words of the prophet: Micah (7:8) Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.
