Don't Be Like Robinson Cano

“No Christian is safe when his soul is lazy.” – C.H. Spurgeon

I have been a baseball fan since 1969, following my beloved New York Yankees through the lows of the early 70s to back-to-back World Series titles in 1977 and 1978 (and four championships in five years from 1996 to 2000). The 1980s were lean years, but I didn’t watch much baseball back then because I was focused on my new bride, our growing family, and my new ministry. Likewise, the Bronx Bombers haven’t “won it all” since 2009, a 15-year drought that I hope comes to an end this October.

During my 55 years as a fan, my favorite players have always been the ones that tried the hardest. There may have been more talented catchers than Thurmon Munson, but nobody outworked the gritty backstop from Akron, Ohio. Likewise, Roy White, Bobby Murcer, and Mel Stottlemyre were consummate professionals who gave it their all whenever they stepped between the lines.

Then there was Robinson Cano, a multi-talented second baseman who played for the Yankees from 2005 to 2013. During that time, Cano was at the top of his class, batting .309 while slugging 204 homers and knocking in 822 runs. But, at least to me, Cano never seemed to try his best. Instead, he adopted a nonchalant attitude on the field, content to “get by” on his natural ability alone.

Unfortunately for him, Cano’s career went downhill fast after he left the Bronx as a free agent. He had four decent but not spectacular seasons in Seattle before moving onto the crosstown Mets in 2019. Fading quickly, Cano resorted to using steroids to improve his performance and was suspended for the 2021 season. When he returned, Cano was a mere shadow of his former self, batting just .150 for three different teams before being unceremoniously released by the Atlanta Braves.

I think it is sad whenever a professional athlete doesn’t maximize his or her God-given ability. However, it is even more tragic when a professing Christian “dogs” it by just coasting through life. Sure, he or she may still sneak through the pearly gates, but I sincerely doubt they will hear the most precious words in all creation: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President

(See also Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 12:24; Ecclesiastes 10:18; and Matthew 25: 24-30).