Hanging Up His Spikes, But Not His Heart

“The older I get, the better I used to be.” – Lee Trevino

A dear friend of mine just “retired” from playing softball – and using it as a tool to minister behind bars – at the ripe old age of 81. A former professional baseball player, Warren competed at an extremely high level for decades, long after most players hang up their spikes. He held down the “hot corner,” otherwise known as third base, for my prison ministry softball teams in NJ and FL… and was no slouch at the plate either.

Despite his on-the-field success, Warren never let it go to his head. On the contrary, he was willing to play whatever position I asked and to bat wherever he was listed in the order. Likewise, if he wasn’t in the starting lineup, he would cheer for those who were on the field while mentoring the younger players sitting near him on the bench.

When it came time to share his testimony, Warren would recount his years playing in the Yankees, Red Sox, and Senators minor league organizations. He even got to meet Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters of all time! But like I said, those experiences didn’t make Warren the least bit conceited. Instead, he would tell the inmates gathered around him that sports had become an idol in his life and were ruining his marriage. That is, until he turned his life over to Jesus Christ and found a new and better reason for playing.

Baseball and softball aren’t the only sports where Warren is a force to be reckoned with. He is also an outstanding golfer who drives the ball farther than me despite my being 17 years younger than him. He is also a very accomplished pickleball player.

Using his athletic talents for God’s glory was the secret to Warren’s success… and longevity. What gifts and abilities has He given you, my friend? Like Warren did – and continues to do today – I pray that you will allow Jesus to use and maximize those talents for the highest of purposes… His!

Here’s looking at you, #17!

“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:20-21 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President