Tag: sports

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

Glitz and a surprise guest at prom for special-needs teens and adults

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY — A red carpet. Friendly paparazzi. Limousine rides. All of the above greeted the special-needs teens and adults — most clad in tuxedos and fancy dresses, many using wheelchairs — who showed up at the Putnam City Baptist Church on the Friday night (Feb. 9) before Valentine’s Day. Inside the Southern Baptist church’s sanctuary, … Continue reading Glitz and a surprise guest at prom for special-needs teens and adults

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

Christian universities put on ‘shame list’

Gay-rights organizations target federal funding and NCAA ties of schools with traditional biblical beliefs. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Revoke Christian universities’ eligibility for federal student financial aid. Strip their membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. That’s what major gay-rights groups would like to do with higher education schools that espouse traditional biblical beliefs on sexuality and gender identity. “Some voices … Continue reading Christian universities put on ‘shame list’

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

• • •

“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.

• • •

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.
The Ross News

From ‘Bark at the Park’ to ‘Star Wars Night,’ MLB’s special promotions are fun but occasionally ill-fated

“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.

• • •

By Bobby Ross Jr.

ARLINGTON, Texas — “Who let the dogs out?”

The crowd of 32,000-plus at the Rangers’ game May 2 included an estimated 600 to 700 four-legged fans.

The team’s 10th annual “Bark at the Park” event touted pet adoption and awareness of the powerful bonds between pets and people. At least that’s how organizers described the special promotion at Globe Life Park.

“Hey, there’s a dog wearing goggles!” was my Christian Chronicle colleague Erik Tryggestad’s reaction.

Sure enough …

Continue reading “From ‘Bark at the Park’ to ‘Star Wars Night,’ MLB’s special promotions are fun but occasionally ill-fated”

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.