Worst to first (1991)

Ron Gant screamed it in the clubhouse, and it was true. “We shook up the world”!! This was the day the Braves (then in Atlanta) clinched the 1991 West Division. It was not an overstatement at all.

The Braves had entered the year as the laughingstock of baseball. The year before they had finished sixth, 25 games behind. It was Bobbie Cox’s first full season. Slow start and great finish. This was one of the great Cinderella teams in all sports history.

And so, they went from worst to first.

"Resolve never to quit, never to give u

"Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation." ~~Jack Nicklaus

"Let every nation know, whether it wish

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

"The purpose of all war is peace." - S

"The purpose of all war is peace." - Saint Augustine

Could it be right?

"I was not able to understand how it could be right to pay an actor, or a singer, or an instrumentalist for entertaining the public and wrong to pay a ball player for doing exactly the same thing."
-- Al Spalding

Now he was colorful (1914)

He was a Hall of Famer. He was one of the most accomplished defensive shortstops of all time. And, most important, a part of the miracle Braves of 1914.

Rabbit Maranville played with the Braves from 1912-20, 1929-33 and in 1935. He was mainly a shortstop but also played second and third. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 11, 1891 and died on January 5, 1954. Batted right and threw right.

He was very animated and energetic. Just like the energizer bunny. His Christian name was Walter but he went by “Rabbit”. He picked up that name in the minors and it stuck with him. A little girl saw him warming up. He was prancing and dancing around. She said he “jumped around just like a rabbit”.

It was true and it stuck. No more Walter.

"This is the original message we heard:

"This is the original message we heard: We should love one another." ~Apostle John

"Never dare to judge until you have hea

"Never dare to judge until you have heard the other side." --Euripides, 5th century B.C.

The original message

John simple got it. The message from God our Father and our Messiah Jesus is that we should love one another. That is it. There is nothing else. In fact, the way we know that we have been transfered to the way of life is that we love one another. If we don't love one another, then we are as good as dead. Jesus was clear on this. John got it.

May I walk in His love and love everyone I meet today.

For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. 1 John 3:11

Bothering the pitcher (1893)

Maybe this has happened more than once but I have never heard of it. Billy Nash must have been a character. The Braves (then known as the Boston Beaneaters) had a great season in 1893. They won the pennant.

In a game with Brooklyn on May 19, the score was tied after 8 innings. It looked like Brooklyn would win the game. They scored 3 runs in the top of the ninth. Not good for the home team for sure. It is the bottom of the ninth. How many times have home team fans been in this situation?

Third baseman Billy Nash comes up to the plate. He is first up in the inning. So .... he whacks one over the left field fence. Here we go!!! But he didn't run home as expected (even then). He stopped at third base. He settled for a triple. Why? WHY? So he could "bother the pitcher". And boy did he. The Braves got three runs to tie the game.

In to the 10th we go. Both teams scored a run. Nash got his due. He hit another to tie it and this time took the homer. The Braves finally won in the 12th. 5-4 was the final.

I can't imagine a player not taking a homer today. But, Billy Nash no longer plays.

You will find the key to success under t

You will find the key to success under the alarm clock. -Benjamin Franklin

The absurdity of God

Different cultures and religions have unique views of God. There is only one message though. That is the message of Jesus. He is everything wrapped up in something that doesn't make sense to our puny minds. The message actually seems absurd to us. It doesn't make sense to us at our human level.

God is absulute perfection and completely set apart from what we naturally know. Jesus came and has given us the key to enter into His presence.  Jesus is everything we need.

While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical  wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness." 1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Blessed are those who can give without r

Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. ~~Elizabeth Bibesco

Straight talk

Jesus can be very straightforward and direct. His suggestion on criticising is to not do it. Period. End of story. No other advice. In other places He elaborates why but the reason here is pretty compelling.

Do I want to be judged? Do I want to be criticised? If I don't judge, I won't be judged.

Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1

Strength is for service

My oh my, there is some misguided thinking going on in this world. God has a goal for us. We are to tap into His power. Why? To serve. That is all there is to it.

It is not about what is convenient. It is not about what is comfortable. It is not about me. It is not about status. It is all about Him.

It is all about service. That is it.

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?” - Romans 15:2

Should we clean house?

So many days we are focused on our house. Is it clean? Is it organized? There is even a show about people whose houses get so cluttered they call in the experts to fix it. It is fun to watch.

Jesus taked a lot about how what really matters is what is in us. Peter heard it first hand. We should focus on cleaning up "our inner life". Make a clean sweep. Call in the expert, Jesus. Get rid of all the muck of pretense and hurtful conversations.

So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. 1 Peter 2:1

Good enough (1898)

Being good enough in baseball is what it is about some days. The 1898 Braves (then known as the Boston Beaneaters) weren't as good as they were in the previous season percentage wise. They ended up 6 games ahead to win the pennant. Frank Selee continuted to be a mastermind as the manager. Their record was 102-47. So, they were good enough. They won 9 more games than the year before. Their winning percentage was .685 and a little lower than the year before.

Part of this is about statistics. This was the year that the National League expanded to the 154 game schedule. 102 wins was VERY good. It tied the 1892 pennant winners for a record. It stood until Bobbie Cox and the Braves won 104 (of 162) in 1993.

Count yourself fortunate

Some people don't get what God is doing. They see His powerful Spirit working in us and are confused about what it means. They ridicule, scoff, mock and minimize His mighty work. When that happens, we are fortunate. Nothing like some abuse heaped on us because of Him.

If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. 1 Peter 4:14

May I consider myself fortunate when others don't get Him.

Jason Heyword to start (2010)

Braves rookie sensation Jason Heyward will open the season as Atlanta's regular right fielder.

"How could we keep him off the team?" Braves manager Bobby Cox said Friday. "He's done everything this spring."

Jerusalem

Jesus destiny was in Jerusalem. God's goal for Him would come to pass there. He would die and be raised from the dead by the amazing power of the Holy Spirit. But notice how this was framed. He took the 12 aside and clearly said "We". Jerusalem just wasn't for Jesus. The good news of the new agreement God has with us is that we have died and been raised to a new life in Him. Oh my goodness.

Then Jesus took the Twelve off to the side and said, "Listen carefully. We're on our way up to Jerusalem." Luke 18:31

May I see how I am a new human being in Him. May I know that the old me was crucified with Him and the new me was raised up in Him.

''Keep your face to the sunshine and y

''Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.''- Helen Keller

The Decline (1879)

Harry Wright, the Braves manager (then known as the Red Stockings) had a stunning run of success. Four straight National Association pennants from 1872-75. Then the National League formed and he won the first 2 out of 3 championships. Quite a run for sure.

Then in 1879 things began to go south for him. But it didn't only affect him. It affected major league baseball for a long time to come. It was the year the "reserve clause" was created due to problems created by Harry and his brother's George problems.

And so, in 1879 the Braves, under Harry Wright, ended up 54-30 in second place, 5 games behind the champions.

The strength of the group is the strengt

The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders. -Vince Lombardi

Begging and receiving

Jesus said, "Everyone who asks (begs) receives ..." Sometimes it takes a lot for us to ask. We think we don't need help. We can do it ourself. Help not needed. We will ask if we don't have something we want or if we can't do it ourself.

God has promised so much. May I humble myself and ask. May I beg for His help. His love fills the entire earth. There is no end to it.

Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn't drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out— but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me. I get up in the middle of the night to thank you; your decisions are so right, so true—I can't wait till morning! I'm a friend and companion of all who fear you, of those committed to living by your rules. Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel. Psalm 119:57-64

Let there be light (1940)

The new trend in baseball in the 1940's was to install lights for night games. The Braves (then known as the Boston Bees) had not invested yet. Probably a good thing. They played their first night game at the Polo Grounds. It was May 24, 1940. They lost 8-1. The next week they lost in the lights at Forbes Field. There were only two teams that year without lights.

It really didn't matter in 1940 whether they played in the lights or not. They ended the season, under Casey Stengel as manager, in 7th place. They were 34 1/2 games behind with a 65-87 record.

Here today, gone tomorrow

Some times it seems like we just can't make it. Yet, perseverance rules the day. Even if it looks like things are falling apart, they aren't. Sometimes others can't see what is going on inside. God is making a new life for us. He is doing it now. Not a day goes by that God's isn't giving us everything we need for the day.

There are things that we see now that have no lasting value. They are here today but may not be 5 years from now. Or even tomorrow for that matter. Unrealized gains and unrealized losses. What is important is what lasts forever.

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 

May I stick with God today and forever. May I experience His grace.

Well done is better than well said - Ben

Well done is better than well said - Benjamin Franklin

The wild card (1978)

There were four candidates for the job. It is a very good job if you can handle the stress. You are competing against Ken Boyer, Tommie Aaron (Hank's brother) and Hall of Fame Catcher Yogi Berra. You are a former major league infielder of no great distinction. You are 36 and would be the youngest man ever to hold this kind of job. You have managed in the minors (the Syracuse Chiefs) but never the majors. If you get the job, you replace Dave Bristol.

The wild card in all of this is that Ted Turner is making the decision.

And so, Bobby Cox became the youngest manager in the history of baseball in 1978. The Braves had a record of 69-93. They finished sixth in the Western Division. They ended up 26 games behind the leader.

Billy Southworth as a Brave (1946)

Billy Southworth moved to manage the Boston Braves in 1946. At the time, making $50,000 as a manager was a big deal. He had some fairly quick success. Fourth in 1946. Third in 1947. First in 1948. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that he had Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain pitching for him. They won their second NL pennant in the 1900's under his great leadership. They were defeated however in the 1948 World Series in six games by the Cleveland Indians.

In 1949 many of the players rebelled against Southworth's rules, regulations, and leadership. The Braves struggled on the field. The rumor mill had Southworth, an admitted achoholic, drinking heavily and near a nervous breakdown. So, in August Southworth turned the Braves over to someone else. Johnny Cooney, another Braves coach, took over. Southworth did come back to coach the Braves in 1950. It would be easier on him because most of the rebellious Braves had been traded away.

But the team was "older". Attendance was in the toilet. In 1951 the Braves were barely 28-31 by June 19th. Part of the issue was probably competition. The Boston Red Sox was agressively going after the fans. This was the first year they both broadcast their games on the radio. It only paid off for the Red Sox though. Billy Southworth did the honorable thing. He "resigned". Most reports have him being fired. He was replaced by a former right fielder, Tommy Holmes. He did remain with the Braves as a scout. Not uncommon. He never managed again. In 1953 the Boston Braves became the Milwaukee Braves. Go figure.

Always good news

There is always good news with God. He is always happy to have us back when we miss His goal for us. He is strong and never grows tired. His love brings us peace and calms us. He is tickled pink to delight us. He is in a good mood and not upset with us.

Yes, there is always good news with God.

Jerusalem will be told:  "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair. Your God is present among you, a strong warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. Zephaniah 3:16-17

May I be open to the good news and see that God is with me, powerful and delighted with me.

Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain (1947)

Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain were a VERY good combination in 1947 as the best pitchers around. Of course, they played for the Braves. The tied for second in victories. The had 21 each. That was just one behind Cincinnati's Ewell Blackwell. He is well known for one of the more amazing things in baseball. Unfortunately it was against the Braves that season. He delivered a no hitter against us in June.

Spahn won his first eight games that season. Not a bad start. He also managed to lead the league with seven shutouts. He became the second Brave in the 20th century to lead the league in ERA. He had a fairly "decent" 2.33

Monsters in the closet

I remember as a child not wanting to sleep in the dark. There were monsters in the closet and under the bed. The light helped. It always does.

There is something about the light. Jesus is the light. He drives out the darkness and all fear.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

Ma

Panic is greed's cousin

Panic over money is greed's cousin. Am I content with what I have? Do I have enough to eat and clothes? Is there a good roof over my head? When I panic over something I have lost, I have stared greed in the face. Panic shows that I am not content with what I have.

Godliness is the mission. All else pales in comparison. What will I leave this world with? Not money. Only my love of God matters.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

May I love God and be content.

I can hear

He is whispering. He is talking. He has some amazing things to say. In what I read. In what I hear in my heart. I have ears. I can hear.

There are also things He is not saying. Am I asking questions about things He has nothing to say? Am I focused on what He is saying or not saying?

Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." --Mark 4:9

May I listen to His word. May I hear what He is saying to me today.

Every day is my birthday

This is both prophecy about Jesus and also a message to us as God's children. Our God is a living, today kind of God. What is His message to us today. See today like you would your birthday. Today is a day of celebration. What gift do we want from our Heavenly Dad? He will give us anything. Nations? Continents? Dancing in the street?

I also think this is in the physical as well as spiritual world. He has promised it is all ours. Supernatural courage and His powerful Spirit make it so.

Let me tell you what God said next. He said, "You're my son, And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a
prize? You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash." Psalms 2:7-9

May I seek and ask for His power today. What gift do I want from my Heavenly Dad? May I live like today is my birthday in Him.

Overshadowed but a great home run hitter nonetheless (Joe Adcock)

There is a lot to the Braves history and we have had our share of home run hitters. Joe Adcock was one of the Braves best and one of the best in all of baseball history. He retired in 1966. At the time he was 20th on the all-time list of home run hitters. He was seventh of all right handed hitters with 336 home runs.

It is probably fair to say that he was overshadowed by a few other Braves greats. He played with Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews. Imagine the team that had all three of them. That would have been the Milwaukee Braves now residing in Atlanta.

Tammany Hall (1912)

One of the partners in the Braves was James Gaffney. He had political ties with the Tammany Hall regime. That was in New York. The Braves were in Boston then. In 1912 they became the Boston Braves. Politicians who were affiliated with Tammany Hall were often referred to as the "braves" because the Tammany Society was actually named after a Deleware Indian chief. That was the year a profile of an Indian chief replaced the old English B on the team's uniform jerseys.

Fred Tenney, the manager in 1911, still had a year on his contract. In baseball that seems to be an invitation to disaster. The team had a new nickname. The team had new uniforms. Why not get a new manager then? So, Johnny Kling came on the scene. He had been a pretty good man with the tools of ignorance (a catcher). He came to us from the Cubs and was name the replacement for Tenney. He actually was traded to us as a player and then got promoted. Well, results weren't forthcoming. We eneded up 52-101 and finished eight, 52 games behind.

So, what is in a name huh?

Is the truth to close for comfort?

All heaven is applauding when I get in trouble for speaking the truth of the government of God. God is God and in control. I am in good company when I am put down for making his rule known. God is light and shines truth on us all. I can't hide His light. I can't pretend He isn't in control.

How often, though, am I considering what others will think if I speak the truth in love?

May I speak the truth and seek our Father's approval and not others.

Not only that—you will be more than happy every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. Matthew 5:1-12