This has been one of the greatest years for Major League baseball. Records have been broken and milestones reached.
Barry Bonds broke Henry Aaron’s home run record on Tuesday night, August 7, 2007, in San Francisco, with his 756th career homer and he has now added to it. Tom Glavine, of the New York Mets, won game number 300 on Sunday night, August 6. Alex Rodriguez, of the Yankees, reached the 500 home run level younger than any other player.
Craig Biggio, of Houston, has passed the 3,000 hit mark for his illustrious career, Sammy Sosa of Texas has hit more than 600 home runs and Frank Thomas of Toronto has hit over 500. Other players are close to reaching new career heights.
Many of us have a keen interest in sports, especially baseball which more than ever is the national sport. Playing baseball from childhood through college confirmed me as a lifetime fan.
Like most fans I want those who are in control to do all they can to keep all sports honest, above cheating and drug free. The warning needs to be given in clear unmistakable terms that any violation of the most important rules of conduct could terminate one’s career.
I have had the privilege of speaking hundreds of times to young athletes in many different sports, primarily baseball, football and basketball, about the importance of living life at its highest level. I never try to instruct players on the skills and fine points of the game. Coaches and managers are the experts in those areas.
It is my hope that coaches and managers, at whatever level, talk to their players from the youngest to the oldest about such things as these and make it so plain and simple that all can understand.
1. Drugs, tobacco, alcoholic beverages and poor diet can quickly destroy the potential for a successful and profitable career at any age.
2. Be a life-long learner. Get a good education, college if at all possible. Learn how to read, write and speak the language of the country in which you are playing to the best of your ability.
3. Choose your friendships wisely. Ancient writings remind us that “evil communications corrupt.” A good friend will be your friend forever. Choose friends who can lift you up. Avoid people who will pull you down. Help all you can to know life at its best.
4. Be faithful to your wife, family and friends. Avoid the hypocritical life-style. Unholy sexual relationships, any out of faithful marriage bonds, can destroy any athlete, male or female.
5. Continually improve your game skills. Learn from the best in your sport. Be willing to teach others just as you have been taught.
6. Give it your best. Throughout life be willing to be the best you are capable of being. Mickey Mantle was probably the most talented baseball player ever, but his life-style did not enable him to reach his highest potential. When in the dying stages of his life he said, “I am no role model.” Another great New York Yankee, Bobby Richardson, and former teammate helped Mickey in those last days, as I have read and heard, to put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior. That was the best thing he ever did.
7. The best guidance I can offer any athlete is to follow the example of Jesus who from the time he was 12 years old “Grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
I wish the very best for Barry, Tom, Alex, Craig, Sammy, Frank and a host of other players in baseball and other sports and especially in the life that comes after the sports career is over.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis, Award Winning
Syndicated Columnist, P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560.
Phone:304-757-6089
www.BillEllis.Net.
