"A Lost Art"

 

“A Lost Art”

 

In 1973 the American League adopted the designated hitter (DH) rule by which a weak hitter, usually the pitcher, could be replaced in the batting order by a better one. (It wasn’t until 2022—49 years later—that the National League followed suit.) The main purpose for this change was to increase run production and add more excitement to America’s pastime. Assuming my math is correct, statistics show about a 7% increase in runs scored per game. The debate over the DH continues even after 50+ years.

The insertion of the DH into the lineup led to a strategic element’s becoming almost a lost art: the sacrifice bunt. When pitchers, notoriously weak hitters, took their turn at the plate with men on base they were often called upon to try to move the runners along with a bunt to increase the possibility of scoring. This part of the game is seldom seen now and I for one miss it.

The essential meaning of sacrifice is to give up one thing to gain something better. In baseball an out is traded for raising the possibility of a score. In the Old Testament animals were brought to God and put to death (i.e. sacrificed) to atone for sin (see Job 1:5 for an example). But because “…it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4), Jesus “…offered for all time one sacrifice for sins….” (Hebrews 10:12). And because He did, Paul admonishes us “…to offer your bodies as living sacrifices….” (Romans 12:1)—in other words, give up our own desires in order to walk with, honor and serve God. “…With such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16).

The “living sacrifice” seems to be going the way of the sacrifice bunt and becoming a lost art. People today seem to be seeking a “faith” that makes no demands or requires them to give up nothing. Some time ago I saw a bumper sticker which asked, “How much can I get away with and still go to Heaven?” (My question: What if isn’t as much as one thinks or hopes?) If this is my mindset it’s time to “…examine (my) ways and test them, and…return to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40) to recover the lost art of sacrifice in my life.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan