Tag: sports

Christianity Today, Religion Unplugged

Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged SAN DIEGO — At 8:15 p.m. on a recent Saturday, Texas Rangers catcher Mitch Garver swung and missed at an 86-mph slider from San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader. Garver’s strikeout secured a 4-0 victory for the home team in front of 42,677 fans at Petco Park. Three minutes later, an electric guitarist and a keyboardist from The Rock Church … Continue reading Jesus at the ballpark: Why MLB teams host faith nights

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Another ballpark checked off my bucket list: Petco Park in San Diego makes 21

By Bobby Ross Jr. SAN DIEGO — My love of baseball is no secret. Nor is my desire to see games at all 30 MLB stadiums. This past week I combined work and pleasure when I traveled to Southern California to work on a story for ReligionUnplugged.com on Faith Night events hosted by a number of teams. I flew into Los Angeles and then drove to … Continue reading Another ballpark checked off my bucket list: Petco Park in San Diego makes 21

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
The Ross News

Thrill of Wrigleyville: Checking off the No. 1 ballpark on my bucket list

By Bobby Ross Jr. CHICAGO — I finally made it to Wrigleyville. For a long time, I’ve dreamed of seeing a game at Wrigley Field — the iconic ballpark with ivy-covered outfield walls that opened in 1914. I had experienced America’s favorite pastime at 19 of the 30 MLB stadiums, plus five former big-league fields (I’ll list all of them below). My family and I even … Continue reading Thrill of Wrigleyville: Checking off the No. 1 ballpark on my bucket list

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A heavenly day at the ballpark

Stranger’s kindness makes granddaughter’s first Texas Rangers game even more memorable. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — In my family, births, weddings and baptisms count as major milestones. So does one’s first time to attend a Texas Rangers game. I’ve followed Rangers baseball — through pulse-pounding wins and heart-wrenching losses — for 40 years. I still chuckle at the intro to his devo No. 60 … Continue reading A heavenly day at the ballpark

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

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.