This evening, the Atlanta Braves are one game away from returning to the World Series for the first time since 1999. As I write this, Zach is watching the game while “Zooming” with some of his buddies.
Wednesday of this week was the 28th Anniversary of “The Slide!” I was at my buddy’s off-campus house near Georgia Tech watching the game. I never will forget that game. It seemed as though Sid Bream was in slow motion as he rounded third.
This is how Skip Caray called the play:
“A lot of room in right center; if he hits one there we can dance in the streets. The 2-1. Swung, line drive left field! One run is in! Here comes Bream! Here’s the throw to the plate! He issss... SAFE!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!!...BRAVES WIN!!!”
And, we did indeed dance in the streets. We ran down to campus. By the time we arrived at the intersection of Techwood and Bobby Dodd, students had built a bonfire with anything they could get their hands on. I distinctly remember a couple of guys throwing a dorm room couch on the pile as we walked by.
On Saturday, I returned to Grant Field as my Yellow Jackets were hosting Florida State. The melted traffic light was still dangling from the wire at the intersection that had been the sight of the celebration a few nights earlier. We went up 21-7 early the 4th quarter. It was going to be the perfect sports week… until … Charlie Ward took over the game and when the final whistle blew, the Seminoles prevailed 29-24.
Following the game, Florida State assistant coach Chuck Amato said "There wasn't going to be a repeat of the Atlanta miracle like the Braves pulled the other night against Pittsburgh!”
From euphoria to heartbreak.
I was preaching at my home church the next day. It was among my earliest sermons.
Title: “Peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jacks!”
The gist of my message – what would it be like if we had as much passion about Jesus as we do about sports? It is still a valid question.
Sports are a huge part of American life. There has always been an intersection of politics, religion and sports. Over the past few years there has been a greater confluence. At times, sports serve as a much-needed distraction. Sports have also long been a place for social commentary. During the pandemic and in the wake of the racial tension we have experienced, sports have been a platform for subtle and not so subtle activism.
That being said, for most of us, our support for our home team or alma matter transcends differences that would otherwise cause dissension. There’s nothing quite like high-fiving complete strangers after a touchdown, homerun or a buzzer beater. This evening, across the city of Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia, people from all backgrounds and all walks of life are pulling for the Braves. If we manage to win, most of us will be cheering from the comfort and safety of home but we'll be imagining celebrating together, dancing in the streets! If we listen carefully, we might just hear Skip shouting from heaven.
Like that young, wide-eyed aspiring preacher, I still wonder how we can match the time, energy and resources to solve some of the most difficult challenges we face as we spend following our favorite teams and players. How do we find the same solidarity that comes from wearing the same jersey or donning the same hat? I continue to contend that it is by focusing on that which we have in common.
Now I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Agree with each other and don’t be divided into rival groups. Instead, be restored with the same mind and the same purpose.
1 Corinthians 1:10