Sunday night was the opening game of the 2017 season for my favorite team, the WORLD CHAMPION Chicago Cubs. Of all sports, baseball is my favorite and according to Wikipedia it also provides the most athletic metaphors in the English language. Whether you are a fan or not, we ALL speak “baseballese” just about every day, and all year round.
Here are some examples I have used:
* We're not making a bit of progress with this project. We can't even get to first base.
* Your theology is off the wall. You're way out there in left field.
* Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, while others seemingly have two strikes against them.
* Everybody's so enthusiastic about your proposal. You hit it out of the park.
* I did not expect that reaction. She threw me a real curveball.
* Those inappropriate comments of yours were way off base.
* I know you can't give me an exact price, but can you give me a ballpark figure?
* Chris Matthews of MSNBC is so headstrong; the name of his show is Hardball.
* On Broadway, the musical "Hamilton” is a smash hit.
* I promise I'll consult you before I make any decisions. I'll be sure to touch base with you.
* I can't meet you today, but can I take a rain check?
* We need to get started on the project. Let's do it right off the bat in the morning.
* Melissa McCarthy is such a wild and wacky woman – she’s a real screwball.
* He’s just not owning up to his mistake. I wish he would step up to the plate and take responsibility.
* That woman is influential in her industry. she’s a real heavy hitter.
* When I can’t preach I might ask Pastor Derek to pinch hit for me.
I know what you are thinking, I use baseball metaphors a lot. Do you?
In contrast, baseball has adopted expressions that come from the Christian vocabulary as well. As followers of Christ we talk about “sacrifice”, relief pitchers getting credit for a “save”, “thou shalt not steal”, (as in second base) and the object of every batter and believer is to reach our heavenly “home”.
God loves you, sent his Son Jesus to die for you and has been thinking of you since the start of creation. As I have been saying for years, God is a baseball fan. The biblical proof was that,
“In the BIG INNING God created the heaven and the earth” Genesis 1:1 :-)
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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