Now and again, baseball broadcasters will mention the fabulous career of Christy Mathewson, the amazing pitcher for the New York Giants at the turn of the century. He won thirty-seven games in 1908. This remarkable man was admired on and off the field.
During a heated contest Christy was the runner on third base. The manager called for a squeeze play. Mathewson implemented the sign to the best of his ability.
Dust enveloped home plate. The umpire could not be certain what happened. We are told that an unprecedented conference was held between umpires. It was agreed upon that Christy should make the decision. The fierce competitor walked around home plate adjusting his trousers, dusting off his uniform; finally, removing his cap, he announced: "He got me." Later, in the dressing room, his teammates asked him why he divulged the secret when he could have called himself safe and given his team a run; whereupon the great athlete, with great pride, said, "I am a church elder."
Christy Mathewson was dedicated enough in his service to God that, when tempted to compromise his integrity, he resisted and was truthful, earning him one of the most honorable reputations in baseball history. As Christians, we are tested each day with temptations to 'cut corners' in our Christian walk. King Solomon in Proverbs 11:3 writes "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity". Instead of going with the popular response of his teammates, Mathewson was honest in his answer to the umpire. Today, let us be dedicated to living upright lives.
