The Force of Will

27 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in David Platt, God's will, Rangers, World Series

var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} I was at the Rangers game Monday night with my son and loving every minute of it. That is, loving being with him, not the whole Rangers game. The early innings had me running through various emotions with varying levels of intensity and I’m ususally a laid-back fan. I walked around the concourse for two and a half innings watching it on the TV’s periodically. That may have had as much to do with the 60+ year old man and his twenty-something stripper-looking girlfriend in front of us as anything but I’ll still attribute it to the bad pitching and errors. All that to say, I think the Rangers won by force of will with some Cardinals managing and performance mistakes thrown in along the way.

That brings me to this, a David Platt tweet on Tuesday. The most popular question: How do I know God’s will? A more pressing question: Will I obey God’s will? What a great comment. I have known the big picture will of God most of my life and simply failed to obey it. Not so much failed and chose, really. I am one of those people who want to know the will of God…as long as it works within my parameters of what I want to do. “God, let me help someone today.” “Uhh, God, is there anyone who looks and dresses more like me I can help? I don’t know how to talk to those people and they are dirty and stink.” “God, do something powerful in my life today.” “Uhhh, God, I didn’t mean anything that could make my life/income/retirement/free time/beliefs more difficult.”

Will I obey God’s will? Regardless of the cost?

Grace and peace to you.

As The World Turns

21 Wednesday Sep 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in hope, Rangers, Rodney King

≈ Leave a comment

Does life mimic soap operas or do soap operas mimic life?

I think I can find more villains in real life than I can in a TV show.

I’m a bit grumpy right now. I think it’s based on a phone call I had today.

“Can’t we just all get along?” – Rodney King (social genius) 🙂

I prefer to focus on the Texas Rangers right now. They don’t cause me to go deep. They don’t cause me to explore pain. They don’t cause me to cry out to God to open my eyes and my heart and to remove my anger and hatred. It appears they are headed to the playoffs. I draw for my playoff tickets on Thursday and will be accepting bids on Friday. ALDS and ALCS tickets will need to start with 5 figures before the decimal. World Series tickets will need to start at 6 figures before the decimal. I’m not sure anyone is willing to pay that much but, if you are, I’ll find a place to watch the game.

Rick talked about hope on Sunday. As he talked I thought about how flippantly I use the word “hope” so often. I hope the iPhone 5 will be ready soon. I hope I can get a new truck or Mercedes soon (I need those ticket prices to be high to support my style of living), I hope I have a good day. I have hope for things that don’t last and as I thought about it, I thought about the song that goes, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” We ended up singing the song but I hadn’t looked at the program so I just thought the song leader and me where the great minds thinking alike. Anyhoo, hope built on Jesus’ blood is a bit deeper and broader and weightier than an iPhone 5. I want my hope to be about much, much more than things of this world. I want to focus on and live in that deep and broad and weighty hope that marks my eternity.

Grace and peace to you.

The Week That Is

23 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in Cowboys, Rangers

≈ Leave a comment

It’s a crazy week. Here for a few days, gone for most. More on that tomorrow.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

Drew Pearson is going into the Ring of Honor. I’m disappointed Jerry didn’t do that a long time ago but he owns the team and I don’t. Still, I’m disappointed in Jerry.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

I’m not a Cowboys fan anymore.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

I am a Rangers fan and liked how they played against the Angels. If all goes well I’ll be drawing playoff tickets in a month or so.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

Rick Perry for President? Ewww. I just don’t believe he’s done a good job nor seems to have enough depth about him to deal with the issues a President has to deal with.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

I want to vote for a President who has actually created jobs without using taxpayer money to do it. Is that so much to ask for?

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

OK, that’s all the fluff for one day. I’ll be packing tonight for a little trip with my twin brother (some of you will understand that reference, others will be shocked I have a twin brother and even more would only laugh when they see him standing next to me).

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

Grace and peace to you.
Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”);
document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”));

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

The Pain of Yesterday

11 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in Josh Hamilton, pain, Rangers

≈ Leave a comment

I was watching the Rangers game the other night and saw a foul ball hit to left field. Josh Hamilton goes to pick it up and tosses it to the ballgirl instead of turning to throw it over the back fence. I can’t help but wonder if he doesn’t feel some pain every time that happens. If you don’t know the story, Hamilton picked up a foul ball a few weeks ago and tossed it to a fan in the stands behind the left field wall. The fan reached out to catch it, lost his balance, fell over the fence 20 feet below hitting his head and died soon after. His young son (6 years old I believe) was sitting next to his dad when it happened. Now, Hamilton did what we hope every pro player will do – toss us something we can hang onto. I don’t know Josh Hamilton but believe him to be a compassionate man and I can’t help but think he wishes he would have held onto the ball that Shannon Stone missed that fateful night. When I saw him toss a ball to the ballgirl the other night, I couldn’t help but think he still feels the pain of that one toss. And I wondered about that little boy and his family and whether they would attend more baseball games in the future. A father and son, a baseball game, hot dogs and Josh Hamilton standing in front of you. What’s better than that kind of night? Then it turns to pain.

Avar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”);
document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”));

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

I assume that to be true because I’ve tossed a lot of balls in my past I wish I would have held onto. Not real balls, but something that I did that turned out bad, that turned out to bring pain in my life I didn’t expect, didn’t think about, certainly didn’t want. Then, each time a similar situation comes up or some trigger reminds me about that toss I made, I am revisited by the pain. There are times where I deserved the pain and there are times where the pain comes from something that was supposed to be good. Either way, I wish I could have held onto that ball.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

I trust Josh Hamilton’s faith will help him keep moving forward but my guess is he will never thrown another ball over that back fence because it’s pain he doesn’t want to revisit. I trust my faith will get me through the times I feel the pain and I trust that God will be at work to mend the wounds and help me know that the pain is nothing compared to the goodness and a life without pain that is waiting for me.

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

Grace and peace to you.
Avar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”);
document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”));

try {
var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”);
pageTracker._trackPageview();
} catch(err) {}

Why the Rangers Are Cool

10 Friday Jun 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in funeral, Jimmie Armes, Rangers

≈ 1 Comment

It’s Friday so how about nothing too heavy today? Works for me.

Recall this note from yesterday’s Newberg Report:

[Supplemental first-round pick Zach] Cone hit .363/.403/.627 for the Bulldogs in 2010, leading to pre-season All-America recognition and prompting BA’s Jim Callis to write a year ago that he profiled as a first-round pick this season and that he “[m]ight be the best athlete in the 2011 college crop.” But he collided with fellow Bulldogs outfielder Jonathan Taylor as they converged on a looping line drive in March, leaving Taylor (who weighed 20 pounds less than the 200-lb. Cone) partially paralyzed with a neck injury after his head struck Cone’s hip. He may not walk again.

Texas just drafted Taylor in the 33^rd round (h/t Jason Cole of Lone Star Dugout).

I find this very, very, very cool.

Jamey

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
This is a good reason why I’m a Rangers fan; win, lose or draw. I know it doesn’t mean the Rangers organization has the heart of Jesus…or maybe it does. Either way, it sounds like good people doing good stuff. I can’t imagine being paralyzed and what that does to someone emotionally. I can’t imagine being the guy who ran into the guy who is now paralyzed. I wonder if it slows him down on the field when he knows another player is chasing a ball. I’m guessing there could be a strong bond between those two players now and maybe both getting drafted by the Rangers helps both of them heal and look forward to what can be.

Go here for more on the story from the Rangers website: Rangers Draft Taylor

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I think about my funeral a lot, probably too much, but it’s mine so I can think about it all I want. I’ve always hoped the things that were said about me had more to do with me loving God and doing his will than loving the Rangers or Longhorns or baseball or something of this world. That said, I might not mind being mentioned as a Rangers fan after reading about their 33rd round draft choice.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I went to a memorial service for Jimmie Armes on Wednesday. I didn’t know Jimmie as well as I would have liked to but knew him well enough to know he was a good man, a sincere and compassionate man and based on what was said at his memorial service, a man who wanted to know God better every day of his life. I’ll miss seeing Jimmie, even as infrequently as I did, but he’s someone who left a story of doing good and loving people for me and I will always appreciate him for that. His wife, Marye Nella, is cut of the same cloth, a good woman with a loving heart and I am thankful to know her. I hope she will find peace and comfort through the Lord with the loss of Jimmie.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

That There Is Rotation

25 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in 79, birthday, dad, Rangers, tornado

≈ 2 Comments

I went to the Rangers game last night with my son to meet my dad and mom and to celebrate his 79th birthday. It was all good until the 4th inning when the clouds above us started to swirl which was fun to watch while ominous all at the same time. Now, I’m a storm watcher so I thought it was pretty cool but people around us were getting a little antsy. Once they covered the field and some rain drops fell, my parents decided the best course of action was to head back to East Texas while I thought the best course of action was to watch the tarp blow on the field since the storms were coming from the west and I didn’t want to drive into them. Well, the rain really started to fall which drove us to the concourse and then someone decided it was best to send us all down to the tunnel. Maybe it was the sirens going off and all the texts we were getting saying tornadoes were headed for us. So, my son, me and 25,000 of my good friends hung out outside the Rangers clubhouse doors, cheered for a few players who walked through, while sweating it out. Finally, they sent us out so the game could restart only to find out there would be a second rain delay which was my exit cue.

Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
Ivar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Brought To Tears

14 Thursday Apr 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in Jacob, Josh Hamilton, Rangers, youth group

≈ 2 Comments

First, I’ve gone too long without a post about the Rangers. 8-3 (EDIT: A reader pointed out the Rangers are 9-3. That’s the danger in writing a post in advance and then coming back to edit it later. And the mad cow disease.) now and not in World Series form the past 2 games. Still, I remember a start just 3 years ago that was more like 3-8.

Fvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Josh Hamilton went down yesterday with a broken something in his shoulder and is out 4-6 weeks. That’s a tough break for the Rangers but something I think they will come to expect with Hamilton and something that will be a big factor in his contract talks. I usually get frustrated with players who are hurt often but I feel differently about Hamilton. Yes, I’m a fan and probably jaded but having read his book and knowing what he battles, I cheer for him to keep coming back, to keep overcoming obstacles, to stick to the straight path when the pain of hurting and not playing is what led him down a crooked road before. I want him to succeed simply because I see some of my life wrapped up in his ups-and-downs and realize life is about more than baseball, more than a stint on the DL and more than homeruns. It’s about getting back up when you’ve been knocked down, even when you’ve brought so much pain on yourself, and moving forward in a positive direction. Yep, I’m an unabashed Hamilton fan to the end.

_________________________________________

OFvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
OK, the brought to tears part. I’m a fairly emotional guy and the kids in our youth group got to me last night. Jacob brought a lesson about making war against our sins and at the end of class offered them the opportunity to write their sins on the board to share with their friends and the people they want praying for them. Yes, you read that correctly. Our teenagers were openly writing their sins on the board and it brought me to tears. Their honesty, their openness, their hearts desiring to be closer to God, their trust. It was moving to me, someone who tried for years to hide my faults and failings.

OFvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
OFvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

4-0, UConn and 1 Loss

05 Tuesday Apr 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in death, Faith, questions, Rangers

≈ 1 Comment

I’m sitting here thinking how exciting it is that the Rangers are 4-0 behind real good pitching and a bunch of homeruns. Honestly, I wish the Rangers were grinding out runs instead of hitting bombs because the bats will cool off but, hey, I’ll enjoy it while I can.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I’m sitting here after just watching One Shining Moment which is played at the end of every Final 4. I love the videos and good for UConn and their big win. I wish Butler could have pulled one out, similar to Texas Western many moons ago, except without the racial overtones.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I’m sitting here wondering how the parents of a 14 year old boy who was found dead Sunday morning are coping because I cannot fathom what they are going through.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
The Rangers are 4-0, UConn is the National Champion for a brief while and the Sitzman family will not see their young son grow up. Two of those things make me happy but it’s fleeting and one of those things just gnaws at my gut while I wonder why.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
It’s a question I won’t know an answer to but it upsets me all the same. It makes me ask God “why?” without expecting an answer. It makes me want to touch my kids, to see their smile, to hear their voice. I’m fortunate to only be separated from them for brief periods but they are excruciating periods of time.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I wonder if God feels that way about me. I wonder if he wants me in heaven with him as soon as possible or if he’s content because he can see me here and now. Another question I won’t have an answer to anytime soon. Nor do I need one.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
However, it’s times like this when my faith is shakier. It’s times like this when I have more questions than contentment. Still, I know that God’s ways are not my ways and I cannot begin to comprehend all his thoughts. I hope I will wake up in the morning and simply be willing to follow his direction.

Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Grace and peace to you.
Svar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}

Anthem, AZ and Yamagata, Japan

21 Monday Mar 2011

Posted by Seeking Peace in Anthem, Hughes, Rangers, warrior

≈ Leave a comment

Last week I was in Anthem, AZ with 2 of my oldest friends and having a really good time watching some spring training baseball but even more, talking about the old days and the current days, where we’ve been and where we are going. We shared stories of our faith and our walk, the ups and downs, highs and lows, things we are convicted of and things we have changed our thinking about and how each of these topics we discussed are bringing us all closer to God. I love these 2 guys and miss the simpler days when making a basket was our biggest issue but I’m convinced what I love more is hearing them talking about God working in their lives, the transformation he has engineered in them and sharing the same things about me.

As usual, it was good to get home but I will miss the conversations we had, the faith we shared and the encouragement I gained from them. The one thing I know is, we are all ready for the day we can make it to the home we look forward to, our home with God for eternity. Until then, I pray he continues to give us vision and to direct our steps so we are warriors for the kingdom in Anthem, Tyler and Decatur and wherever he might lead us.

I was reading a story about the nuclear crisis in Japan and the reporter was sharing stories of people who couldn’t leave the area for one reason or another. One such person, Masahiro Sakashita, is the director of an elder care facility with 100 or so bedridden people 15 miles from the reactor. He and 19 other senior staff members know the outcome does not look promising but he made the call that a minimum staff of older employees would stay while they sent the younger staff members out of the danger zone. I pray God grants them peace and protects them from danger for risking their lives to take care of others who cannot care for themselves.

Grace and peace to you.

What Do I Do Now?

05 Friday Nov 2010

Posted by Seeking Peace in baseball, Rangers

≈ Leave a comment

Baseball season is over. What do I do now?

Tvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
It was great following the Rangers this year. It was an odd year attending only 2 games in the first half of the season due to my son’s baseball schedule and then sitting/standing in the crowd at Game 6 of the ALCS and Game 5 of the World Series. I never would have pictured that. Nor would I have pictured Cliff Lee pitching in a Rangers uni. Or Cliff losing 2 games in the Series. I didn’t picture C.J. Wilson becoming a dominant starter or David Murphy being the man of the moment so many times or Vlad struggling at the plate like he did. But then I never pictured Vlad crushing balls during the season before they day they signed him. I didn’t think Greenberg/Ryan would have so much trouble buying the team but I’m certainly glad they did.

Tvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
I’ve never had people willing to buy my tickets in August. Not only willing but calling asking if I had tickets for certain games in August. I usually can’t give them away. I wore the same clothing to 15 games and the Rangers won. I have fun with baseball superstitions that way. I wore it to Game 5 of the World Series and they didn’t win and I had lots of people looking at me in bewilderment that I wasn’t dressed in Rangers red. Well, the mojo failed that game and the lucky outfit is retired. Maybe. I might try it for one game next season and see what happens.

Tvar gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src='” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-12356560-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}
Here’s where I thought about a moral to the Rangers saga but you can make your own. Today, it’s just about baseball. It’s a game I didn’t enjoy growing up but one I have come to love through the eyes and efforts of my son. I used to go to games thinking they were boring. Now I have an appreciation for every nuance of the game – the position of the batter’s feet, the path of his hands through the swing, the finish, the pitcher’s movements, arm slot, release points. I watch how base-runners step off the bag getting their lead, the size of their steps. I’m more aware of how the wind is blowing and what effect that has on a fly ball hit by a left hander to left field as opposed to right field. There are so many little games within the game…and I love it. Yes, there are plenty of object lessons to make from baseball and this season for the hometown team. Today, I miss it and can’t wait for spring training in roughly 3 months.