Winning Words 4/9/10
“Don’t pray when it rains, if you don’t pray when the sun shines.” (Satchel Paige) Celebrating the Tigers’ home opener, this is a good one from one of the greatest of all baseball pitchers. He even pitched in the majors when he was in his late 50s. They had a rocking chair for him in the bullpen. He was a pretty good theologian, too. ;-) Jack

FROM HS IN MICHIGAN: Great one! Naturally, I'll be downtown today. FROM JACK: Don't forget to wear you long underwear. GO TIGERS!

FROM PRJD IN MINNESOTA: IF THERE HAD NOT BEEN DISCRIMINATION HOW GREAT WOULD SATCHEL HAVE BEEN? IT'S A SAD COMMENTARY ON OUR HISTORY WHICH STILL REARS ITS UGLY HEAD. FROM JACK: Baseball is built on IFs. I'm glad that I have lived through the racial transition, not only in baseball, but in politics, as well. Sometimes it is so close to us, that we don't get the sense of its importance. I enjoyed reading the book, SATCHEL.

FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: We are really fans of the Twins, as well. My Mother is a huge fan, being from MN. We say that if she passes, it will not be between April and October! I am thankful for another baseball season! Go Tigers/Twins! FROM JACK: Who do you cheer for when they play each other?

FROM MO IN ILLINOIS: Talk about grit, huh? Good advice, and interesting side remarks, about the rocking chair in the bull pen. I had never heard that! He was unique, and as you say, not a bad theologian! FROM JACK: Can you imagine that happening today? There are some really interesting and funny stories coming out of the time when playing ball was more than a "money game."

FROM MOLINER CF: Does this mean that baseball players don't pray when the sun shines? "Game called because of rain." FROM JACK: I can't get into the head of anyone, baseball player or Chester.

FROM YOOPER NK: IN THE U.P. WE PRAY ALL THE TIME WEDNESDAY.....SUNNY....CUTTING GRASS .......PRAYERS THURSDAY..........SNOWING.....BIG PLOWS OUT....MORE PRAYERS FROM JACK: See! Prayer changes things.

FROM JK IN MICHIGAN: Seems like we should always have a reason to be Thankful FROM JACK: No matter what the season, there's always a reason.