Bottom of the Ninth #56 - The Ballpark

by Blake Donels Valor Freshman, Utility IF, OF, DH

So many times in the busyness of school, work, sports, and other activities, it is easy to lose focus on all of the wonders of God's creation.  It is so easy to get caught up in all the moments of our lives and lose sight of all the small things in life that bring joy. Having spent many hours even many years playing baseball growing up, it is no doubt that I have taken for granted the smaller things in life that make the game so much fun to watch and to play.  To me, so much of what is "a ballpark" is great because it is a small part of God's Creation.

I hear the Star Spangled Banner, and smell the fresh popcorn and the sizzling hot dogs.  I watch the pitcher toss the rosin bag and catch it in his hand.  I see him nod as he receives the sign from the catcher as he gets ready to throw the next pitch.  I hear the pop of the catcher's glove, then the roar of the crowd.  Two outs.  I glance up at the crystal blue sky as the batter on deck strolls up to the plate.  He gets into his stance.  The pitcher delivers a curve ball that cuts through the strike zone smoothly, like a diver submerging into the water.  Strike one.  The pitcher gets set and hurls a fastball down the middle and the next thing I hear is a crisp crack, the ball jumps off of his bat like an Olympic sprinter bursting from the starting blocks.  I look up and see the ball sailing into the air.  Back, back, back and into the 18th row beyond left field.  It's gone!  The crowd goes crazy!  As I sit there and watch him trot around the bases, I hear "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."  The whole team crowds around home plate, he touches home and happiness is expressed in smiles, high fives and fist-bumps from all of his teammates.  This is the ballpark.

This is the ballpark, and it is part of God's creation.

Colossians 1:16 says, “For in him all things were created: in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

As we go through our lives, it's important to remember that blue skies, the pop of the catcher's glove, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd are God's creations and we are to enjoy those things.  As we enjoy watching or playing the game, we are to give the credit for the joy of our lives to the Creator, the one and only true God.

It's tournament time in Colorado High School baseball, I hope to see you all at the Ballpark, one of my favorite parts of His magnificent creation.

GO EAGLES!