Tag: baseball

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

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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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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.
Christian Chronicle

He pitches with heart — a brand new one

Kansas high school senior calls life-saving transplant “an absolute gift from God.” By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GODDARD, Kan. — It’s a picture-perfect afternoon for baseball as Josh Oakley steps to the mound: blue sky, soft breeze and 71 degrees. Fifteen family members — two parents, four grandparents, three of Oakley’s five older sisters and six nieces and nephews — cheer as … Continue reading He pitches with heart — a brand new one

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris was baptized in his baseball uniform

One of the major leagues’ top young prospects, Norris seeks to give all the glory to God. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle DETROIT — The 16-year-old pitching phenom stepped into the baptistery wearing his high school baseball uniform. Fresh dirt stains splotched his white uniform pants as Daniel Norris crept barefoot into the water to confess his faith in Jesus Christ and be … Continue reading Why Detroit Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris was baptized in his baseball uniform

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

After a weekend in Kansas City, revisiting my low ranking for the Royals’ Kauffman Stadium

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“Take me out to the ball game” is my blog on major-league ballparks and the wonders of witnessing America’s favorite pastime up close.

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By Bobby Ross Jr.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — I was wrong.

Back in February, I ranked the 18 major-league ballparks I’ve visited:

Continue reading “After a weekend in Kansas City, revisiting my low ranking for the Royals’ Kauffman Stadium”

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.