Good morning. Anyone who has ever followed baseball knows at least something about Babe Ruth. In the era in which he played he dominated the sport as no one had before, and I believe no one has since. His best year as a hitter was in 1927 when he batted .355, had 60 homeruns, and 164 RBI. This was in a 154 game season.
But those who know of Babe Ruth the ball player may also know that he went through stretches in his career when his greatest opponents weren’t the pitchers he was facing, but alcoholism, frustration, and depression. Carrying the weight of being America’s favorite hero took its toll, and at times the great Babe Ruth gave in to his personal demons.
On one sunny, late summer day the Yankees were playing the Red Sox in Boston. A few years before, Boston had made the famous trade that was long considered the worst trade in the history of sports by trading Ruth to their rival, the New York Yankees. On this particular day, Ruth struggled. He had been out the night before and his drinking had been a problem. He hadn’t slept and barely made it to the park in time for the game. He had struck out in every at bat, and his play in the field was equally terrible. Finally, in the 8th inning of a close game, Boston broke the game open with five runs, all unearned. All of those unearned runs were due to errors by Ruth in rightfield. When the inning finally ended, Ruth lumbered off the field with his head down and his hat in his hand. The Boston crowd stood as one and booed him. All manner of insults were thrown his way and after the performance he had just given, Ruth had nothing to say in return.
Suddenly, a little boy jumped over the fence separating the playing field from the stands. He ran up to Ruth and with tears freely flowing down his young face he threw his arms around one of the slugger’s legs. The little boy looked up at Ruth and said, “It’s OK Babe. You will always be my hero.” This display had silenced the crowd and when Ruth reached down, picked the boy up to give him a mighty hug, set him back on the ground and with a big smile roughed the boy’s hair, the loud boos turned to cheers. How can you boo a guy who loves kids and who is loved by such a child?
Later, the press wanted to talk to Ruth about the game, but even more they wanted to know the details of his moment with his young fan. Ruth said that it was probably the worst game of his life, and he admitted that his behavior was the likely cause. When it came to the little boy, Ruth shared the words that been exchanged between the two of them, and then Ruth said, “I guess there are days when even Babe Ruth needs a hug.” Amen.
Consider with me a few scriptures that remind us of God’s tender love and care.
The Lord upholds all those who fall, He lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 43:13
He heals the brokenhearted, and He binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
We all have “one of those days” from time to time. Isn’t it great to know that our Heavenly Father looks upon us with tender love and compassion? When we have been at our worst, it is wonderful to consider that God wants to throw His arms around us and give us a great big hug!
Blessings throughout your day!
Vern