Tag: baseball

Christian Chronicle

All in the family: baseball and Jesus

For Faulkner coach and his wife, love for ‘adoption’ extends from their home to the team’s players. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Patrick and Katie Beth McCarthy’s oldest son, Miller, once told a reporter his family lived at the ballpark. “We just go spend the night at our house sometimes,” he quipped. Baseball is extremely important to the McCarthys. Patrick is the head coach … Continue reading All in the family: baseball and Jesus

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Christian Chronicle

At 84, retired major-leaguer Lindy McDaniel still ‘Pitching for the Master’

The Texas church elder was a pioneering reliever for the Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, Yankees and Royals. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When Joe Chesser was 9 years old, his family attended church with Lindy McDaniel, a young pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. One Sunday, Chesser brought a baseball to worship at the West End Church of Christ in Wellston, Mo., just … Continue reading At 84, retired major-leaguer Lindy McDaniel still ‘Pitching for the Master’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Q&A: Hall Of Famer Rod Carew talks faith, COVID-19 and, yes, baseball

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged In 19 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels, Rod Carew racked up numbers that made him a first-ballot Hall of Famer. From 1967 to 1985, Carew collected 3,053 hits, won seven American League batting titles and made 18 straight All-Star appearances. But his new memoir, “One Tough Out: Fighting Off Life’s Curveballs,” ventures beyond the … Continue reading Q&A: Hall Of Famer Rod Carew talks faith, COVID-19 and, yes, baseball

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Retired MLB slugger and his wife are on a mission for God

Josh and Ginger Willingham lead a program to feed hungry children in their Alabama hometown. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FLORENCE, Ala. — Josh Willingham stayed up most of the night praying. After going to the World Series with the Kansas City Royals in 2014, the 35-year-old slugger had a decision to make. A difficult one. The 11-year major-league veteran could play another season … Continue reading Retired MLB slugger and his wife are on a mission for God

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Rain, rain, go away: Bennett enjoys his first Texas Rangers game

By Bobby Ross Jr. ARLINGTON, Texas — My oldest son, Brady, was 10 months old when his mother, Tamie, and I took him to his first Texas Rangers game in May 1994. That was Texas’ first season playing at The Ballpark in Arlington, the beautiful new baseball palace that replaced the rickety old Arlington Stadium. In a 2006 Christian Chronicle column titled “For love of … Continue reading Rain, rain, go away: Bennett enjoys his first Texas Rangers game

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Pittsburgh Pirates’ ballpark is one of the best

By Bobby Ross Jr. PITTSBURGH — I’ve always heard that PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is spectacular. Now I can confirm that based on personal experience. My sons Brady and Keaton and I traveled to Pittsburgh to see our beloved Texas Rangers play Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. Related: How I fell in love with baseball We had a wonderful time, and the Rangers … Continue reading Pittsburgh Pirates’ ballpark is one of the best

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Religion News Service

He’s a major-league pitcher — and a plumber — whose faith helps keep him focused

Detroit Tigers ace Michael Fulmer works as a plumber in the offseason and serves as a mentor for adults with developmental disabilities. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service ARLINGTON, Texas — It’s not hard to stay humble when you’re unclogging a toilet. Or when you’re throwing gopher balls to Miracle League ballplayers swinging for the fences. At least that’s how Detroit Tigers … Continue reading He’s a major-league pitcher — and a plumber — whose faith helps keep him focused

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Faith helped baseball coach Tony Beasley beat cancer

Texas Rangers’ ‘inspiration’ sings the national anthem on Opening Day. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service ARLINGTON, Texas (RNS) Tony Beasley never lost faith, even when he was diagnosed with cancer. “It’s been an opportunity for me to be who I said I am,” said Beasley, the third base coach for the Texas Rangers. “My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7: ‘For we … Continue reading Faith helped baseball coach Tony Beasley beat cancer

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Christian Chronicle

Does ‘turn the other cheek’ apply to a baseball brawl?

After Rougned Odor’s now-famous punch of Jose Bautista, ministers and other church members debate whether a Christian can — or should — cheer for on-field violence. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — “Turn the other cheek” sounds so simple in Sunday morning Bible class. The concept becomes a little more difficult when you’re a rabid Texas Rangers fan, sitting in … Continue reading Does ‘turn the other cheek’ apply to a baseball brawl?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.