Every night I check Major League Baseball's box scores to see how the guys I know made out. For months I've been hoping for The Return of Mike Sweeney, the Kansas Royals 1st baseman/DH, who has been out of the lineup for most of the season. When I saw his name in the box score several days ago I rejoiced. "Rejoice" isn't a word that most "ink stained wretches" who cover baseball would use but for a guy like me who's been praying for Mike, I REJOICED. Mike is a Christian and one of the Baseball Chapel reps for the Royals.
I found the following note on a blog entitled ROYAL REFLECTIONS:
Sweeney Being Sweeney
Game Date: August 9, 2006
Game Score: Royals 5, Red Sox 4
Box Score
WP: Dohmann (1-1), LP: Papelbon (3-2)
"You’ve seen him in this same situation a dozen times or more over the years and nearly every time, he produces the game winning hit. But he’s older now. He’s been out of action for three months and there’s no telling how much longer his back will hold up. The Royals aren’t playing for anything. Their season has been over since late April. And then he does it again.
A solid two-out single to left field in the bottom of the ninth that produces the first walk-off win for the Royals this season, and it all comes rushing back. The thrill of watching a professional hitter do the very thing he was born to do—even though he hasn’t done it in a long time.
You see his teammates rush to gather around him in celebratory high fives and hugs. You see the Royal faithful refusing to go home because they simply want to enjoy the moment. And you hear the joy in his voice during the post game interview and you know it’s genuine. And you are happy to be a Royals fan.
Mike Sweeney will be the first to tell you that he didn’t win the game all by himself last night..."
CONGRATULATIONS on making it back, Mike! I'm looking forward to getting together in two weeks when the Royals come to Toronto. Stay healthy, dear brother!
See you soon!
Dr. Fisher (as Mike calls me)
No comments:
Post a Comment