Baseball and Miracles
by Kevin MillerProfile on: Jerry Colangelo, Chairman/CEO Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks
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During press interviews prior to embarking on the now legendary 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo was asked what his prediction was for the outcome of the series. Jerry’s response was immediate. “I don’t predict, but I’ll tell you what I would pray for.”
“What’s that?” The reporters asked.
“That the series goes seven games, that we win at the bottom of the ninth inning in front of our home crowd, that the bases are loaded with two outs and that Gonzo is at the plate.”
How'd He Do That?
Amazingly, seven games later, that’s almost exactly what did happen. The only thing Jerry didn’t get was his second out. When Gonzo - All Star leftfielder Luis Gonzalez - stepped up to the plate and made his game-winning base hit, the Diamondbacks had only one man out. As Jerry stood and watched those final, tension-filled moments with his wife, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “I said, this happens to other people; you read about it, see it in movies. But it’s really happening right here, right now!”
Although Jerry realizes God didn’t win the series for the Diamondbacks, he’s certain his prayer and the prayers of others had a hand in all that took place. After all, just getting the Diamondbacks to the series was a miracle in itself, seeing as the team had lost their closing pitcher as well as 40 percent of their starting line-up at the beginning of the year. In addition, this was only the fourth year of the Diamondbacks existence, and it was Jerry’s first year at the helm.
Finding the Answers
While it may seem odd to pray for a win at the World Series, faith has always been as much a part of Jerry’s life as baseball. The way he sees it, a lot of people go through life searching for answers but never really find them. However, Jerry believes the object of their search is a lot closer than they think. “As we consider a realistic, practical approach to some really basic questions like, ’What is life all about?’ ‘Why are we here?’ and ‘What’s expected of us?’ there’s a pretty viable option available, and that is Jesus Christ,” says Jerry. “If we look at his life, his principles and the Bible, there are a lot of answers there, solutions to questions people spend their lifetime exploring without any satisfaction.”
Have you been struggling with the big questions of life? How about looking to Jesus for the answers? If you don’t know Jesus, we encourage you to pray the following:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Amen.
Is it the desire of your heart to make this prayer yours?
If yes, pray now and according to his promise, Jesus Christ will come into your life.
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