An Atheist at the Home Run Derby
I have always wondered at the intersection between baseball and religion. Many players point up to the heavens when they hit a home run, thank god in their post-game interview or wear a religious icon around their necks - not to mention the pre-game prayer meetings that some teams hold. I have always thought it odd that these guys think that God cares about their batting average. But then I don't believe in God, although I do believe in baseball.
My favorite part of the game is the fact that there is always hope, there is always the possibility of a comeback (no matter how many runs down your team is) or a player who has been an "ofer" (as in 0 for 5 times at the plate) might be the walk off home run hitter, might be redeemed.
The story I heard during this year's Home Run Derby (yes, I like baseball enough to watch that!) was definitely one of redemption: a kid who almost ruined his career, not to mention his life, with drugs and alcohol is now the home run king. His career is back on track, his family is reunited at his side, his teammates love him and the public adores him.
Josh Hamilton's young life story is a great one - complete with a horrible fall and a rise to glory. I enjoyed hearing it (although the ESPN announcers told it a few too many times...but then they had a lot of air time to fill during the Home Run Derby, and let's face it the Derby is nothing but hype, pageantry and show - which is why I like it even though I am not a home-run lover but rather I prefer good pitching match-up) and I cheered for him to win the Derby. He did not, however, even though he hit more home runs in the 10 outs given than any other player has. I cheered, that is until one of the ESPN announcers put a damper on my evening.
Every time Mr. Hamilton was interviewed by the pretty blond lady on the field or one of the aging ballplayers turned announcers, he mentioned God, he praised Jesus, he was humble and thankful for all that had been given to him by heaven above. I have no problem with that. Even though I don't think that his comeback is because of anyone other than himself, a great human tale of someone who pulled himself up by his cleat laces, reversed some of his truly terrible decisions, and turned his life around through clean living, hard work and self respect. If he thinks that God, or his belief in a god or gods, had something to do with his new direction that is fine with me. I am not one of the atheists who feels that need to debunk others beliefs. But I am an atheist, so when one of the guys in the booth commented on the amazing streak of home runs that Hamilton hit out to the upper decks or onto the black part of the bleachers at Yankee Stadium I saw no reason why he would have to disrespect me as a non-believer. The announcer said, as the 20th or so ball sailed out of the park, "well, it looks like it is a lousy night to be an atheist!"
"Lousy night to be an atheist?" I gasped. I had no idea why he would even be saying that. Then the other announcer, the bald guy, or the guy with the beard, said something about Hamilton's faith and how his story is so great and how he helps kids by talking to them about staying away from drugs. Ah, yes, I thought, the announcer-guy (and after hours of listening to them they all start to sound the same) thinks that because Hamilton is religious he is succeeding. So he figures, God is thumbing his nose at those of us who don't believe. I guess the other guys who participated in the home run derby were non-believers, since they did not hit near the 28 that Hamilton did in that first round. But then, maybe Justin Morneau is actually more of a Christian, since he ultimately won the Derby in the 3rd round by hitting 6 home runs to Hamilton's 3. And just imagine if Mr. Ex-Ballplayer turned ESPN sportscaster had said "well, tonight is a lousy night to be a Christian" when that result was announced.
Of course, any supposition that God favors one ball player over another, or that God had anything to do with the out come of the Home Run Derby or any other sporting event is pretty ridiculous. And I know that believers of all stripes will say that I have missed the point of the kind of faith shown by Mr. Hamilton or by the other ball players who thank God for their talent and success.
In truth the Monday night of the Home Run Derby was a great night to be an atheist. Here was a true story of the human spirit rising above adversity, here was a human success story, a tale of a person who came back from the ashes. Those are just the kinds of stories that make me happy to be an atheist, that confirm my feelings that we are responsible for our actions and directions in this life, and that we ultimately must judge ourselves and take the best path we can forge. Belief can be part of that journey, but we (as individuals) are the ones to choose to hold that belief, or not.
The truth is that night was a great night to be a baseball fan, as is every night of the baseball season. Because win or lose, home run-fest or low-scoring pitchers duel, baseball is a great game. There is nothing better that a warm summer breeze, a cold drink and a game on. So Mr. Guy in the booth with the microphone, next time hold your derisive comments and celebrate the true meaning of the All Star break, and in fact baseball itself - humanity, humility, hope...and the well hit ball.