They say, "It's just a game."
I dare you to speak those words to any one of the A&M baseball players today. Or even, any of their family members. I would be willing to bet, the reaction you would get would be nothing short of dumbfounded.
It starts at a young age. Little League dreamers. Never to be found without a bat and ball. Living for those nights under the lights. Entering the gates of the College World Series in June with wide eyes and excitement that would send any ball out of the park. And the only thing on their mind is the hope of one day playing for a National Championship, themselves.
Years pass by and suddenly they are putting on a jersey, with the name of their dream University embroidered across the front. The small crowds of parents and loved ones, turn into thousands cheering on their favorite school. Along with that comes the fact that you will either be their hero or talk of the town when you make a mistake. There is no middle ground. The love brings with it scrutiny. "You are paid in scholarships to succeed. It can't be that hard. Just hit the ball and throw strikes."
But there is so much more to the game fans watch on a Friday night. The "behind the scenes" that only family members and teammates truly understand. The 5:30am lifts followed by team conditioning. A packed academic schedule from 8am-1pm, followed by a long afternoon of practice. Quick dinner and then study hours. Repeat. 5 days a week. And obligations in the community on weekends. Otherwise, hopping on a plane or traveling by bus to take on the next opponent. Down time? It doesn't exist. (Trust me, it's hard enough just getting a phone call or Facetime session in once a week.) Off season? If you think intense Marine-led workouts and team scrimmages for starting spots, counts. But, "It's just a game."
Sacrifices are made by the families, too. The expense of traveling each weekend to cheer on your favorite players. Dealing with the press and publicity, along with small talk heard when the gossipers don't realize you are related to one of the players. The stress that naturally accompanies games, or the constant "what if" fear that they, God-forbid, would be injured. And then the losses. A pain that cannot be put into words. Especially the big ones. The season-ending, dream crushing, 16 inning, 6+ hour games, that come up just short of achieving the dream of playing in Omaha. Supposedly, "It's just a game."
Last night still stings. And I cannot even begin to speak for how those players are feeling today. Their raw posts on social media are heartbreaking. A season that ended too soon. It wasn't supposed to be that way. And yet, today they are left with making big time decisions about what to do with their careers. Accept the draft spot when the phone call comes (which you only have seconds to decide), or stay and put on that jersey for another year? While it is a great position to be in, it's one that I do not envy in the least. Come on, "It's just a game."
The hardest part of the loss last night, is the realization that I will never watch that same set of boys take the field together. Ask anyone, they were a special group. One with heart and class. Each a follower of Christ, playing for His glory. Their demeanor on the field was top notch, and off the field they were true gentlemen. Often rare, these days, amongst athletes. They gave it everything they had, and made myself and every other fan, as proud as we've ever been.
You see, it is not "just a game." It is a family, a community, a discipline, a glorification of the gifts they were given, an unbeatable bond, and memories that will last forever. Baseball has always held our family together through the good and bad. It has been our common ground when things are shaky. And I can promise you, it is so much more than "just a game."
To the Aggie baseball team, thank you. Thank you for your relentless effort and dedication. Thank you for the thrills. Keep your chins up.
And to #14. I have told you once, and I will continue you tell you, how so incredibly proud and honored I am to call you my brother. This is only the beginning, bud. Keep dreaming. And trust His plan. I love you.
✖️⚾️✖️⚾️
