81.8 F
Orlando
Friday, September 29, 2023 8:47 pm
HomeSportsBitterness Strikes Out

Bitterness Strikes Out

Not too many people can say they are friends with a Major League Baseball batting champion. But Al Oliver and I know each other well.

Al and me at a coffee cafe in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Al is most remembered for playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates where he won a World Series with them in 1971. He earned three Silver Slugger Awards, was voted to seven All-Star games, won the National League Batting Title in 1982 with Montreal, and finished his career with a lifetime .303 average.

That’s a good resume for any professional baseball player.

And he had more impressive accomplishments, but you get the idea. He could play baseball well.

But when his name first appeared on the ballot for sportswriters to consider him for induction into the Hall of Fame, he came up short.

Al did not receive enough votes to be put back on the ballot the next go around.

In 2019, his name came up to the Modern Era Committee for consideration into the prestigious HOF. This committee addresses players who were left off the ballot for unusual reasons. They might have been overlooked due to outstanding circumstances.

President Ford and Al in Pittsburgh. Wikipeida.

The small group of 10 said no. He will never be inducted into baseball’s elite group.

His stats are more impressive than many who are already in the HOF.

I met up with Al one day a few months ago, and we talked about baseball immortality over a cup of coffee.

Our conversation is included in chapter eight of my book, Dugout Devotions: Inspirational Hits from MLB’s Best Vol. 2, which is on deck for next season.

Here is an excerpt:

Is Al disappointed to know that his name will not be enshrined where It – by all rights – should be written.

“It’s just something that I have to deal with and accept,” he said. “I definitely did my best as a player under some tough situations.”

Even at ages 38 and 39 when most players are out of the game, Al still played and produced.

“That’s the way I was brought up,” he said. “You play hard, you give it your best, and you trust God with the rest.”

Al has every right to be bitter and disappointed. But he’s not.

“There is always something to deal with,” he said. “I lost my parents at a young age and had to deal with that. God was in control then, and he’s in control now. I’m not angry because I did my best and it’s just part of life. It’s gratifying to know that so many people think I should be in the Hall of Fame, and that’s all that matters.”

Al also said that his main goal is to reach Heaven’s Hall of Fame.

“I know I’ll be there,” he added with a chuckle.

Are you bitter about something that happened to you? Maybe the overall result is out of your control. If anyone has a right to feel bad about not getting what he deserved, it’s Al.

He did most things right and has better stats than some enshrined in Cooperstown, New York.

But he had to let it go and move on. He knows it will never happen.

What do you hold on to that you need to turn over to God?

Bitterness can rob you of joy and peace.

Here are some signs you might be bitter:

  • You think you deserve more than what you get in life
  • You never feel satisfied with personal achievements
  • You are paranoid and feel like everyone is out to get you
  • You feel vindicated when others fail
  • You cannot congratulate friends for their success

Here are some ways to overcome bitterness:

  • Focus on the many blessings God gives us that we don’t deserve and give Him thanks
  • Set realistic goals for yourself and accomplish them one at a time
  • Ask God for peace and self-confidence
  • Avoid jealousy and strive to support the success of others
  • Lend a helping hand

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51: 10 KJV)

Al is a good example of someone who is not bitter. He played by the rules and as hard as he could. Does he deserve to be in the HOF? In my opinion, based on his statistics alone he deserves to be inducted.

What do you deserve?

 

Hi there 👋
It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive community news and uplifting content from the people in your community.

We don’t spam!

- Promote Your Work -

spot_img

Most Popular

More from Author

Bitterness Strikes Out

Not too many people can say they are friends with a Major League Baseball batting champion. But Al Oliver and I know each other well.

Kia’s Amazing Journey

He’s best known by his first name…. Kia. His life is remarkable. Kia...

Kia’s Amazing Journey

He’s best known by his first name…. Kia. His life is remarkable. Kia...

Bengals Chaplain Kicks COVID-19

For a short while, LaMorris, Team Chaplain of the Cincinnati Bengals thought he was dying.

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img

40 People Lift Berlin Bus to Save Trapped Young Man

A group of strangers worked together and lifted a bus in Berlin after seeing a man trapped underneath the wheel.

22-Week Preemie Twins Go Home After Adorable ‘Graduation’

Miracle premature twin babies from Ohio survived four months in the NICU and are now thriving at home.

12-yo Wellington Boy Saves Drowning Man, Credits CPR Learned from ’Stranger Things’

A boy from Palm Beach County saved a man\'s life from drowning, saying he learned CPR from watching TV.

California Costco Worker Returns Envelope with Nearly $4000 Cash

A Costco employee in California achieved his goal to become Employee of the Month due to his honesty.

Bank Reimburses AUD$460K to Dementia Depositor Ff Major Scam

A 78-year-old man from Australia got a major win despite being diagnosed with dementia.

Tampa Teen Helps Others with Dyslexia Succeed in School

A teen\'s Girl Scouts\' project became a personal campaign to help kids with dyslexia read and learn at school.

Minnesota Teens Fishes a Wallet Full of Cash on a Lake and Returns it to Owner

A 14-year-old from Minnesota got the best vacation story days before going back to school.

English Couple Wins the Lottery and Will Use the Winnings on Fostering Kids

A couple from England won big in the lottery and they plan to use their winnings on fostering children.

A 5-year-old’s Lemonade Stand Raises Thousands for Maui Survivors

A young boy in Seattle opens a lemonade stand to help the survivors of the wildfires in Maui.

Small Acts of Kindness Improve Mental Health —Study

Doing random acts of kindness, such as opening the door for someone or giving out hot chocolate, improves mental health.

British Powerlifter with Down Syndrome Serves as Inspiration After Double Gold Win

A British powerlifter proved that despite the odds thrown at him, he can do anything if he sets his mind into it.

Locals Raise $2000 as Thank You Gift to Retiring Postman

Residents of a village in England raised $2000 to show gratitude to a beloved postman who is retiring after 40 years.