Today I started my 30 days of catch fundraiser raising funds for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana while building community and relationships. I’ll be playing with 30 different people each day this month.
Today, Day 1, started on a high note! I played with a major leaguer. Bernie Allen is a member of my church, Castleton United Methodist Church. He had an amazing baseball career playing for the Minnesota Twins, Washington Senators, New York Yankees, and Montreal Expos in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We share a mutual interest in all things baseball!
My goal is to play catch for around 10 minutes each day. Today my 10-minute goal turned into 15 minutes, then 20. As we tossed the ball back and forth, we were able to talk and share about life too. I had to ask Bernie if he had a best hit or favorite hit. He shared that you always remember your first and last hits. His first hit was a triple into left center field in the old Kansas City Stadium. His final hit was in Wrigley Field. As we stood in the park playing a game of catch, it was easy to picture Bernie fielding and hitting in old Yankee Stadium and Wrigley and Fenway. He tossed the ball with ease and didn’t skip a beat throwing.
We shared many baseball stories, sports memories from Purdue, and talked about family. Like the time he played quarterback at Purdue and beat top ranked Ohio State and Woody Hayes in West Lafayette. Or how he was given a world series ring 40 years after missing his opportunity to play in the fall classic due to injury. I also learned about his kids and grandkids from across the country.
At the end Bernie told me, “The Lord has really blessed me!” I was blessed by my first day of catch with this major leaguer and brother in Christ. Our game of catch brought a smile to our face and I believe blessed us both.
I’ll be sharing some stories on this blog throughout the month of August. If you feel moved to share a financial donation for my Gleaners fundraiser, use the link below.
https://give.gleaners.org/fundraiser/4739257
Get outside. Play catch. Find something that brings joy and a smile to your face.
Thank you for supporting Gleaners and following my 30 days of catch!