Good night at the ballpark

Have I mentioned my love for baseball?

I was looking for a story about the faith of a major league baseball player in Friday night’s exhibition game at Autozone Park. The folks with the Redbirds were very helpful (Thanks Molly) and helped me get in touch with the PR guys for the Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays this week.

The Reds’ PR guy told me it wouldn’t work out to interview Sean Casey about his faith. I had read an article that said the first baseman was very outspoken about his faith and how much his faith in God had impacted his life and his career. I don’t know if he’s lost some of that faith or if he simply doesn’t like talking about it. Anyway, the Casey story was shot down before it got started.

The Blue Jays PR guy was awesome. I had asked for an interview with 3rd baseman Corie Koskie in a voice mail message yesterday. When I didn’t hear back, I figured they were far too busy to mess with me. This morning as they were headed to the airport in Florida, Jay Senhaus called me back. Corie wasn’t making the trip because of an injury “Sorry”, he said.

I asked about rookie Gabe Gross who just made the team yesterday. Senhaus said he didn’t know for sure if Gabe would talk about it, but would make sure I get credentials so I could give it a shot.

My crew (good friend Mike McCoy) and I got to the ballpark, went downstairs to the indoor batting facility and found Jay. Immediately, he went to get Gabe who met me in the dugout for the interview.

Great guy Gabe Gross. He was the starting quarterback for Auburn several years ago and his dad is a former All-American center who played in the NFL for several years. Gabe was a great interview. We talked about his faith, how he shares his faith with other players, how it’s helped him as a ballplayer and gives him strength.

The story will go out to the churches subscribed to the ACTS Network next week.

By the way, I ran into a few of my old co-workers. Tara, thanks for the hug. I went by to say hi to Bobby and Brian. It was a good night at the ballpark.