Jul 20 2008
a lousy day to be an atheist?
The Home Run Derby, a made-for-TV contest that precedes Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, is usually a frivolous folly. Players blast home runs, the fans ooh and ahh, and everyone has a good time. But Monday night’s event unexpectedly turned into a showcase of religious beliefs. Christians applauded Josh Hamilton’s first-round feats, while atheists took it on the chin from an ESPN broadcaster.
Hamilton, the 27-year-old Texas Rangers outfielder, has seen his life come full circle. In 1999, he was the No. 1 draft pick of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. From there, he descended into a miasma of drug addictions, including crack cocaine, which led to suspensions and rehab stints — losing 3½ years of his career before becoming a devout Christian and putting his life back together.
In 2007, he returned to the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds. This past winter, he was traded to the Rangers and his career has taken off. Hamilton, who was voted to the American League’s starting lineup, leads the majors with 95 RBI.
Hamilton talks openly about his past as well as his faith and isn’t shy about invoking religion when speaking about his athletic feats, as he did on Monday night when he blasted a record 28 home runs in the first round of the Home Run Derby. Hamilton hit as many home runs in the first round as five of his competitors combined. Ultimately, Hamilton did not win the derby. Justin Morneau, who was added to the competition the day before, beat him 5-3 in the final round.
It was during Hamilton’s prodigious power display that ESPN’s Rick Reilly blurted out: “It’s a lousy day to be an atheist!”
As might be expected, the atheists were not happy with his comment. Their blogs were inflamed after his remarks. Some were irate, pointing out that Reilly’s comment was an instance of how it is okay to pick on atheists. Others were more resigned about what for them was another example of the misperceptions of atheism.
Read more here.
[From me]
The story of Josh Hamilton is amazing. Praise God for what He is doing in Josh’s life. Now I don’t know anything about Reilly’s faith. I really don’t think he meant anything critical when he made his comment. I think he was trying to be funny because Hamilton is now a man of faith. I’m curious what my atheist friends think.
What do you think?
8 responses so far
I can’t think of a good day to be an atheist.
Bob Cleveland’s last blog post..You Pick The Caption
I am glad that among the steroid garbage in baseball, the EPO scandal in cycling, the seemingly endless criminal activity in football and basketball, the cry babies who make more in one year than I will ever make in a lifetime of being a pastor, there is a positive story. I rejoice in Josh’s turnaround and cheer his wife and family who stood by him. He still needs our prayers to be able to stand up under the intense scrutiny that is sure to come as a result of the Derby and his outspokenness about his faith. I also pray for all atheists to come to know Jesus.
Bill(cycleguy)’s last blog post..Trusting God
While some atheists were obviously offended, I assume that most took the joke in the spirit that it was intended. We all need to be able to laugh at ourselves sometimes.
Neil’s last blog post..Family & friends update
Kevin,
I’m a huge baseball fan and collector. A number of years ago, I was watching a batting practice game between the O’s and Blue Jays. A pitcher for the Jays was signing baseballs. I had the privilege of meeting him and getting a ball. I noticed he was signing all of the balls with Isaiah 40:31 (one of my favorite verses). I was wearing a Promise Keepers shirt. He noticed my shirt about the time I noticed the Isaiah referred. I leaned over and asked him about the signature and verse. He told me his salvation story (with dozens of children and fans listening in). I encouraged him and let him know that I would pray for him every time I saw the ball. He told me how tough it was being a Blue Jay. At the time, only two others Christians were on the team…and he found that the non-Christians really worked to make his life miserable!
I hope he’s staying strong today. To me, that’s what makes Josh’s testimony so powerful! Christians in the big leagues are the exception…much more than we realize!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Be Careful What You Leave Behind
I believe the remark was intended to be humorous (I found it more silly than funny) and I don’t personally feel offended by it.
GO JESUS!
Seriously, though, I think the guy’s comment was stupid but intended to be funny.
Hamilton’s story is great, though! And we love that league leading RBI…now if we can just get some pitching!
Greg Allen’s last blog post..Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I think it was an attempt at humor.
Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..Policeman fired for demanding coffee from a local Starbucks
This exact story led to a thread on the Cubs message board (yes, I’m a Cubs fan) about Josh Hamilton.
Four days and over twenty pages of posts later, we had one of the best discussions about God that I have ever witnessed. It was civil, unlike most debates on any message board. Atheists were asking followers questions and back and forth. The thread ended with several of us reaching out to the nonbelievers. That is an opportunity that may never have happened had Josh Hamilton not turned his life around.
Will the things I, or anyone, said on that board actually being people to Christ? I don’t know, but I do know that a lot of people have used Hamilton to jump-start conversations about Christ.
And for added Hamilton awesomeness . . . after a game in Texas one night, he gave his testimony to the entire crowd while standing on the field with a mic. Pretty cool, huh?
Michael’s last blog post..Jude Chapter 1: Be Weary of False Teachings