Posted on 06/18/2006 4:57:38 PM PDT by rhema
The Twins once had a player who claimed to be a devoted Christian and who did quite a bit of proselytizing in the clubhouse. The problem was that many of his teammates didn't take him seriously because they were convinced he was an exhibitionist.
This fellow liked to parade around the clubhouse in the buff. And that included off days when most guys just came in to pick up their mail.
But the team has had some dandy Christian ballplayers over the years, including Rick Aguilera and Greg Gagne. On the other hand, the most overtly religious player on the 2006 roster was Tony Batista, who read his Bible in front of his locker before every game.
Tony's soul might have been saved, but his swing clearly had gone to hell. He was released Tuesday.
This all comes to mind not just because it's Sunday, but rather in the wake of the news that the Colorado Rockies have become something of a faith-based organization. USA Today recently carried a story about how Rockies ownership is running the team according to a Christian-based value system and code of conduct.
The front-office executives pray together. Most players not only attend Sunday chapel but also weekday fellowship and Bible study groups. Girlie magazines and music with obscene lyrics are banned from the clubhouse. Scripture quotations are not.
In general, the organization if very up front about wanting "character" players with high moral standards. It collects Christians the way some people collect autographs and has stockpiled clean-living ballplayers throughout the minor league system.
The reaction to this news has been predictable. Those on one end of the spectrum think this is the greatest news since Charlton Heston carried the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai. Now if they would just ban beer sales and let Pat Robertson umpire, what a wonderful world this would be.
Those on the other end are furious that someone who worships bumblebees or asparagus stalks might be discriminated against. No doubt a squadron of lawyers has been feverishly plotting a lawsuit, possibly listing Molech the ancient fire god as a co-plaintiff.
Meanwhile, the reaction I've heard most from baseball fans is: "Really? That's kind of different."
"I've heard Clint Hurdle's story, and I know he is a strong, devout Christian," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of the Rockies manager. "But I don't think they force the issue over there."
Asked his views on Christian vs. non-Christian ballplayers, Gardenhire said: "I just see 'em as ballplayers. Their personal thing is their personal thing."
If I were a general manager and had to choose between signing two equally talented ballplayers, one a devout Christian and one a hell-raiser, I'd opt for the Christian.
It's a matter of practicality. The season is very long, and ballplayers tend to wear down. I'd be fairly certain that the Christian ballplayer was spending his free evenings getting his rest while curled up with his Bible. On the other hand, the hell-raiser has a better chance of being curled up with, well, not his Bible.
Yet I also can recall several former Twins who, if they ever walked into a place of worship, would cause the walls to shake and the plaster to fall from the ceiling. These fellows made Beelzebub look like a choirboy. Yet they were wonderful players when they weren't sinning.
The Rockies are quick to point out that they don't make personnel decisions solely on the basis of religious preferences. They say they are open to all. That's smart business because more and more players are coming from traditionally non-Christian countries such as Japan and South Korea. Plus, there is a rich and productive history of American Jewish ballplayers.
However, it is a little scary to hear the owners talk about how they clearly believe that God is using the Rockies for some sort of special purpose. If so, that special purpose has not been to win the National League West Division title.
The Rockies are as mediocre with a team full of Christians as they were with a team full of heathens. That isn't surprising. Good character doesn't necessarily make good players. The Rockies, in the throes of religious fervor, might be convinced otherwise.
If so, they will learn the truth quickly enough. Probably by checking the standings.
"Girlie magazines"? lol- what year was this article written?
Last year they were a like a minor leaque team with a record to show it. This year they are playing fairly well with a whole lot of improvement. Powers can take his snide little remarks and shove em.
Tom Peters, the author of this article, seems overly emotional. He shows some fear that Christians are in control of the Rockies org.
That's what they called internet porn in the olden days.
I did love this his bit about asparagus worshippers being offended, though. ;)
Tony (Batista)'s soul might have been saved, but his swing clearly had gone to hell. He was released Tuesday.
In one way this makes really good business sense. As a corporation, the Rockies aren't in business to win baseball games. They're in business to make money and there's a good possibility that their Christian business practices will make the team more popular with the public and enhance their bottom line.
Most teams have some sort of code of conduct to be displayed in and out of the arena. The Rockies have done the same exact thing. Only they claim Christianity (oh gasp, the horror).
Most businesses have something similar, whether written down or not. If people don't believe it, they should do something egregiously bad, and see what their employers do. What employer wants to be viewed as condoning and enabling something like pedophilia or rape.
The only place something like that is accepted and incouraged is in the White House, and only if your a Democrat.
The Rockies are up front with how they "intend" to run THEIR orginization. If a player would rather drink at the bars, pickup hookers, or fly to Vegas and gamble away 1/2 a years earnings, thats his right. If while doing that, he feels uncomfortable in the locker room if most of the team is reading their Bibles or praying together, thats his problem, not his teamates or the management. He has 1 of 3 options as I see it.
1. Continue living the way he wants, but deal with the fact he doesn't fit in.
2. Ask to be traded.
3. Change his lifestyle.
The Rockies, like any other team, will develope a reputation as what type of orginazation they are. Certain players will gravitate to that, others will not.
Businesses all choose how they operate. Some put integrity before $$$. Hopefully this will be the Rockies. Hopefully $$$ will follow integrity.
Dissipation is not healthy. Bo Belinsky and the last 30 game winner come to mind...
Of course, there is also a team run in accordance with the rules of the Church of Satan. Hint: They play in the Bronx, wear pinstripes, and have a homosexual couple named Derek and Alex.
Yeah George, that was REAL SMART bringing in Randy "John Holmes" Johnson.
bttt
What, have Pedro and Delgado broken up? Pretty rich comment for a team that plays its games in a place called Queens! Haha!
later
Lemme see. Which would go over better with the dads and coaches who bring their Little Leaguers to games and are hoping to find a few role models for the kids: a bunch of dissolute, profane, primma donnas who play .417 ball or a bunch of polite, respectful, hard-working lunchpail guys who manage to get above .500?
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