That said, it does have some redeeming qualities. I love seeing the players with their kids, and the kids in the little uniforms. So cute. And then there's always some story, some tale of inspiration. This year, it was Josh Hamilton. Three years ago? Crack addict. This year? The guy hit 28 home runs in the first round of the derby, setting a single-round record. Baseball is known for being rife with superstition and symbolism, and Hamilton's story is tailor-made for the sport.
Hamilton is now a God-fearing Christian, a fact which inspired one of the announcers to make the Strangest Comment Ever Heard at a Home Run Derby. As Hamilton kept belting balls into the stands, the announcers were going off about his amazing story and the incredible year he's having with the Rangers. They were all jawing about how he's a real family man now, and how he found God. After mentioning Hamilton's faith, one of the announcers said, "This is a terrible night to be an atheist!"
Huh?
I laughed out loud. I understand his point, I think. In his mind, God is responsible for turning around Hamilton's life, and people who don't believe in God are not eligible for those kinds of miracles. I disagree. But no matter if I agree or disagree, what an odd thing to say.
I'm looking forward to the All-Star Game tonight. I'm getting takeout and watching it with a friend. Let's hope the game is not tainted by any athiests.
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14 comments:
I wonder if Barry Bonds has thought of using that as a defense for his "alleged" steroid use... a la "the atheists made me do it!"
Brilliant. I always knew God was a baseball fan lol
Haha, baseball commentators make the strangest statements sometimes. Religion is so integral to a lot of people's recovery. They talk about the "higher power" in at least one of the 12 steps.
it blows my mind on so many levels, I think I'd better leave it alone.
I never understood that "god delivering you from whatever"crap--how about god not letting you start with crack/not letting your car crash, etc. to begin with? Or how about all the good atheists who have raised ethical, moral and law abiding children? And was god there with A-Rod and his millions when he has doing all the womanizing?
I think the comment was less about atheists not being privy to miracles and more about trying to say this sort of turnaround story is one of those that atheists may have trouble explaining away.
I still agree that it's an odd thing to say, just wanted to throw in that other possible interpretation.
Heather--
Interesting. I like that spin.
-snick
I totally heard that too! I cracked up and had to rewind it to make sure I actually heard what I thought he said. It was hilariously odd. Glad to know I wasn't the only one who caught that.
Because if God really does exist, he/she only pays attention to people that like him. In other words, God's kind of a jerk.
I didn't hear it, but I can make a guess as to the commentator who said it. Sometimes they say things just to fill the space (kinda like my kids!) and I often find myself scratching my head with the Fox commentators in particular.
If Josh Hamilton wants to credit god with his recovery, well, who am I to say different? But for someone else to make a blanket statement that those who don't believe the same thing must be having a bad day, because something positive happened to someone else? The head scratching continues...
I'm thinking he probably meant there was all this God talk and it would stink to be an athiest and have to listen to it all.
I was thinking he meant that it would be terrible to be the atheist competing against Josh Hamilton in the Home Run Derby that night what with God giving him strength and power and whatnot.
Whatever he meant, still an odd comment and quite presumptuous to assume that people watching are or are not also "god-fearing."
Sheesh.
I just wish commentators would S-H-U-T U-P! The game would be so much more enjoyable without them. I missed that comment cuz I was in the car listening to some non-ESPNer call it on the radio. I'll bet even HE didn't know what he meant by that. I usually ignore off-the-wall comments such as that.
And yes, it's boring every year. Sadly, I am a P.hillies fan, and my man Chase just didn't git 'er dun...
I hope your friend was able to spend the night!! Wasn't that a crazy game?
The thing that is so annoying about that approach to faith is that it makes God the butler to our needs. Plus, it leaves believers gasping in doubt and turmoil when they DO go through suffering. Jesus clearly promised that life would be full of lots of hard stuff, but that he would also be with us through it and use it for good. Grrr... that is such a pet peeve of mine.
Did you make it til the end? I hope you enjoyed as much as you were able to stay awake for!
Hooray for J.D. Drew!
From a fellow Red Sox fan.
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