The Distinguishing Mark

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." --John 13:35, KJV

As I listened to the World Series last night, I was reminded of my favorite baseball story.

Premeditated Tater Toss

In August of 1987, Dave Bresnahan, then a 25-year-old second-string catcher with the Williamsport (Pennsylvania) Bills of the Class-AA Eastern League, decided to play a practical joke. He had no idea of the lasting notoriety he would achieve as a result of his mischievousness.
His team was several games out of first place and only a few games remained. To put some fun in the season, he devised a starchy plan. Before a doubleheader, Bresnahan went to a grocery store and bought a potato. He then peeled the spud and shaped it into the size of a baseball. Next, he hid his masterpiece in an extra mitt and placed it in the dugout. Later, in the fifth inning, a runner made it to third base. Consequently, the situation was ripe for Bresnahan’s planned stunt.

The Hidden Spud

Bresnahan told the umpire his mitt was broken and asked permission to replace it. The ump agreed. So, Dave went to the dugout and retrieved the mitt with the spud inside. Next, he took his place behind home plate and put the ball in his throwing hand. After catching the next pitch, he hurled the tater high above the third baseman’s head and into the outfield. Thinking the catcher had made an error, the runner at third trotted home, and Bresnahan tagged him out with the real baseball.

The Starchy Truth

While Bresnahan’s teammates had been warned of his plans, the fans and members of the other team were confused. Eventually, an umpire realized the orb thrown was a potato. So, he awarded a run to the runner. The following day, Bresnahan was fined by his manager and then released by the Bills’ parent club, the Cleveland Indians, for what they perceived as an affront to the integrity of the game.

Aren't You the Guy who...?

Subsequently, it seemed "Dave the Cathcer" would simply fade into sports oblivion, along with his .140 batting average. However, news of his stunt began to spread like mayonnaise. The practical joke became national news and, within a year, the minor league club that had dismissed him gave him the honor of retiring his number. Usually, this tribute is reserved for players with superior batting averages, fielding skills, or lightning fast pitches. Yet, all Bresnahan did was complete a practical joke that put some fun into a game that had become mundane. Forever, Dave Bresnahan distinguished himself as a guy who could liven up even the most boring afternoons.

How Will You Be Remembered?

Spiritually, how will you be remembered? Can people tell that you are a Christian? Jesus said that people will know we are followers of Him if show love to others. Are you known as a person of compassion? This is how Jesus expects his followers to be remembered.