The Texas Rangers' Courageous Stand against LGBT Influence in MLB

 The Texas Rangers are keeping baseball in Arlington about the game.

[Breaking Christian News] I've always loved baseball, and I've attended many Major League games appreciating the skill of the players, but especially the entire experience of being one of many fans together rooting for a team. (Screengrab image: via YouTube /MLB)

Getting a hot dog, wearing your team's cap or jersey, and maybe even waving one of their flags, all add to the atmosphere of fun. In addition, MLB teams often host special days or nights with souvenir giveaways for their fans.

But I ask you; what does celebrating a person's sexual preference have to do with the game of baseball?

Apparently, I'm not alone in that query, as once again MLB's Texas Rangers are forgoing any celebration of so-called "pride month" this year.

They are alone in that the Rangers are the ONLY MLB team that is not holding any "pride" events or flying any "pride" or "progress" flags, or wearing them on their uniforms.

Kudos to the management of the Texas Rangers!

I can only imagine the pressure coming against them, year after year, to give in to the fierce LGBTQ++++++ community.

In years past, the only statement issued, according to the AP, is one that is inclusive of all people:

"Our longstanding commitment remains the same: To make everyone feel welcome and included in Rangers baseball—in our ballpark, at every game, and in all we do—for both our fans and our employees. We deliver on that promise across our many programs to have a positive impact across our entire community."

I've requested a statement from the Rangers pertaining to this year, but have not heard back from them, by the time of this publication.

According to a report by the Dallas Express, the first "pride" night in the history of MLB was held in 2001 in the Chicago Cubs' stadium. 

The Dallas Express article notes that in 2003, the Texas Rangers extended official invites to various LGBTQ groups during one game, but that the actions brought protesters outside the stadium for its duration.

While the Rangers haven't ever hosted any official "pride" nights, they actually have reached out to the LGBTQ community in helping to "sponsor the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series in 2022," and in working with the "Pegasus Slow-Pitch Softball Association," promoting amateur softball, according to the Dallas Express report.

But, by not entertaining any "pride" nights, the Texas Rangers are keeping baseball in Arlington about the game.

And importantly, they are avoiding the exposure of young fans to strange displays of sexual deviance by drag queens such as the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" (dressed as nuns), whom the LA Dodgers hosted in a previous "pride" event in 2023.

I'm thankful that the Texas Rangers management is still standing strong for what really matters when it comes to MLB: playing baseball.

I bet the Rangers' management would appreciate any encouragement their fans would like to give regarding their decision. 

If you'd like to send a note, you can write to them at the following address: Texas Rangers, Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Drive, Arlington, TX 76011.

(First published on Breaking Christian News)

Amid the World's Strife, the Little League World Series Shines as a Pure Example of Unity, Sportsmanship and Good Clean Fun, Not to Mention Amazing Skill!

Throughout the entire competition, Hawaii's manager Gerald Oda could often be overheard reminding his team, "Enjoy this moment," and "Love each other."

[This article originally appeared on Breaking Christian News] Whether or not you're a baseball fan, I think you would have enjoyed watching this year's Little League Baseball World Series (LLBWS)—especially if you've become disillusioned with the politicizing of professional sports of late. (Screengrab: Honolulu Hawaii wins the LLWS/via LittleLeague.org)

Even the Little League Pledge, which has remained unchanged since its inception in 1955, and is recited before each game, is a refreshing moral compass:

I trust in God

I love my country

And will respect its laws

I will play fair

And strive to win

But win or lose

I will always do my best

The LLBWS format features 8 US teams and 8 international teams who compete in their own brackets until the championship game. It's a unique opportunity for these 11 and 12-year-olds to experience not just the thrill of playing the game they love in the beautiful Williamsport, PA facility; but also for the kids to interact with their international peers.

And this year seemed especially positive thanks to the focus on sportsmanship even amid some very high-level competition.

In fact, this year there were two teams that were presented with the Jack Losch Sportsmanship Award—Hawaii and Georgia—and for good reason. (Photo: Honolulu, HI and Peachtree, GA/via LittleLeague.org)

Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO stated, "The amount of sportsmanship, character, and respect that these two teams have displayed throughout this World Series has truly been remarkable and fully exemplifies the values and spirit that the award represents. We are honored to present this award to both teams and hope their display of sportsmanship will continue to inspire local Little League programs around the world."

As Hurricane Lane was dousing Hawaii in torrential rain, the Peachtree City Georgia Little League made a donation to the hurricane relief fund for Hawaii. Hawaii's team responded by giving them leis prior to their game, and gave the Georgia manager, Patrick Gloriod, a special lei made of Kukui nuts, which symbolizes 'light' (because he's the 'light' for the kids on his team), according to the Sun Gazette.

Throughout the entire competition, Hawaii's manager Gerald Oda could often be overheard reminding his team, "Enjoy this moment," "It's gonna be a great day" and "Love each other." And even after Hawaii won it all on Sunday by shutting out South Korea 3-0, Oda's voice cut through the kids' celebration reminding them, "Humble, remember be humble" and then he led them over to salute the losing team for a game well played. (Screengrab: Hawaii manager, Gerald Oda/via LittleLeague.org)

This year's Little League Baseball World Series was a competition that featured outstanding sportsmanship at every turn, as well as truly fantastic skills—these kids played their hearts out, with 'Web-Gems' worthy of any ESPN viewing.

Perhaps Hawaii's manager said it best; "I think that's what Little League's about," Oda told the Sun Gazette, "Even though we're opponents, it's not about hating the other guy. It's about sharing the love of the game."

Indeed!

The Value of Spontaneously Singing Together

I ran across an article in The Atlantic, recently that began in me some real contemplation on its subject: communal singing.

If you've ever attended a baseball game, you know the tradition of singing a chorus of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during 7th inning stretch is one which even those who are reluctant-at-first will join in, especially for the ending crescendo of; "…one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball—game!" (Photo credit: scottsdaledp.blogspot.com)

Reminiscing about the way Americans used to join in song at civic events, and the rarity of that in society today, writer Karen Loew notes some of the reasons that may be responsible for this lack of crowd-song.

"The reasons why are legion," Loew writes. "We are insecure about our voices. We don't know the words. We resent being forced into an activity together. We feel uncool. And since we're out of practice as a society, the person who dares to begin a song risks having no one join her.

"This is a loss… In these divided times as much as ever, we need to do some singing and feeling together, united as both citizens and amateurs."

Perhaps talent shows such as American Idol have done more harm than good in this arena, as we are now so quick to judge the vocal quality of a singer, instead of maybe throwing caution to the wind and joining in if appropriate.

I admire certain aspects of the karaoke scene for this reason. There's kind of an unspoken rule in karaoke that you support the (usually very) amateur singer no-matter-what. Even if all you're clapping for is the "shear guts" it took for the person to get up and shakily hold onto the mic while attempting to stay in some discernible key. It's nice that people are kind for the most part. (Photo credit: technorati.com)

While my thoughts are swiftly drawn to congregational worship services as good examples of communal singing that still exists; I think the aforementioned insecurity—and that quick-to-judge attitude—can, unfortunately, also be found in the Church.

Most churches either provide the lyrics to worship songs and choruses on an overhead projector, or from a hymnal, so it's not that we don't know the words… So, why aren't more sanctuaries filled to overflowing with the voices of a congregation in song—instead of just the worship team?

Let's not be so timid (or judgmental)!

Singing Together Can Be Therapeutic
Karen Loew brought up another interesting point when she noted that after so many of the sad events that touch communities there are candlelight vigils; however, at most of them there is no offering of communal melodies to help ease emotions.

"In news reports, we see photos of hugs and tears and shocked faces, and then candlelight vigils. These events, which apparently will continue, seem even sadder without the relief of song," writes Karen.

I think it's a valid argument; times like that warrant joining together in some healing chorus. It doesn't even need to be a Church song—God can touch hearts just as easily through a stanza of "You've Got a Friend," or "Lean On Me."

The Atlantic article concluded with a statement by Dr. Will Schmid—former leader of the music educators' association, who helped folk artist Pete Seeger create a list of singable folk songs. Schmid, citing the way a crowd will belt out a song together at a baseball game, said, "No one there is worried about whether they're good enough.

"That's a wonderful feeling—that's what I think we need to restore. That sense that: I'm good enough. I'm a happy amateur singer. I'm just going to let it out."

I agree! Maybe we all need to relearn a few of those old folk songs and bring into the spontaneous public arena some of our easy choruses from Church, and dare to sing them out.

Perhaps Christians especially—sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit—could lead a gathering into song at a moment when all those present could really benefit from lifting their voice.

The Perfect Game that Wasn't... Perfect

What was to be a shining moment in baseball history, became a shining moment of character and integrity instead.

I hadn't been watching the fateful baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night, but ESPN—not wanting to miss extending viewers the opportunity to witness history—switched to the ballgame in Comerica Park and gave the set-up. (Photo: MLB)

It was the top of the 9th inning and Armando Galarraga, who had struggled earlier this season and just days before, had been placed back into the Tigers' pitching rotation, was having the game of his life so far. He had a coveted and rare "perfect game" going and you could feel the anticipation of the last three outs as he took the mound.

Now, for those not savvy to baseball terms, a "perfect game" means the pitcher has not allowed any hits, walks or runs—no base runners at all. It's "27 up, 27 down." And it is so hard to achieve, since the variables are many (the defense behind the pitcher must be perfect as well) that there have only been 20 perfect games in the entire modern history of baseball. Surprisingly, 2 of them came this year.

And now, we were on the edge of our seats for a possible, momentous 3rd perfect game in one season… unprecedented!

You could hear a collective gasp as the first batter up in the 9th hit a deep fly ball that had both the left and center fielders running to catch up with it. It looked like a sure base hit, but somehow center fielder Austin Jackson made a phenomenal over-the-shoulder catch reminiscent of Willie Mays, and we could all breathe again.

Out number two came easily enough and then it was down to one more.

The wind-up… the pitch…

Jason Donald hit a ground ball that was looming toward the space between first and second base. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera hustled over, fielded it and readied to flip the ball to pitcher Armando Galarraga, who had run to cover 1st base—a fairly routine play. You could see the pending smile mixed with concentration on Armando's face as he reached for the incoming ball and made sure his foot was on the bag before Donald could get there. (Photo: MLB.com)

Out! Perfect game! Armando was just starting to celebrate when he suddenly realized the first base umpire, Jim Joyce, had called Donald "safe."

Safe?! Perfect game blown.

But, as the instant replay began to proliferate the stadium JumboTron, and our TVs ad-nauseum, the truth was plain…

Donald was out. The call was absolutely and very obviously wrong. It cost this young pitcher a perfect game, his name in the history books, and the annals of Cooperstown.

But, that's where the grace began.

Upon realizing he had just been robbed of a perfect game, pitcher Armando Galarraga… smiled. He didn't come unglued, he didn't scream profanities… he—albeit no doubt stunned—just smiled.

More grace was shown on the part of umpire Jim Joyce as he stood and allowed Detroit manager Jim Leyland to speak his mind in full regarding his call.

The game went on and the next batter's out made the Detroit win final… but not perfect.

After the game, umpire Jim Joyce asked for the tapes of the replay so he could see it for himself—and there it was.

He was instantly remorseful and his anguished cry could be heard from the room. "I missed it, I missed it," he lamented. "I took a perfect game from that kid who pitched a perfect game. It was the biggest call of my career and I kicked the (stuff) out of it. I'm sorry. I had a great angle and I missed the call."

This is where Joyce's integrity began to shine, as he sought out Armando, the very one he'd "robbed," to offer his heartfelt and genuine apology.

And that's where Armando's character was plainly revealed, as he told reporters later regarding Joyce, "He really feels bad. He probably feels more bad than me. Nobody is perfect. I give a lot of credit to that guy. [An apology] doesn't happen. He apologized. He feels really bad. Nobody is perfect." (Photo: MLB.com)

More grace was shown by Detroit's manager Jim Leyland the next day when he had Armando himself bring out the lineup card to a tearful Jim Joyce behind the plate.

It was a big deal that Armando did not receive the full credit of what he had earned that night (the next day GM awarded him a Corvette for his efforts), but in the midst of what seemed so disappointing, the integrity, character and grace that was shown, seemed to make the perfect game almost pale in comparison.

And, who knows? Just maybe Armando will have another shot at it someday!