Another Lesson from Aaron Judge: Keep Your Eyes Up

At the conclusion of the HBO documentary, "Nine Innings from Ground Zero," former New York City major Rudy Guiliani states "It was something about baseball which is the American sport....it had a wonderful impact on the morale of the city. It's exactly what we needed to get our eyes up off the ground and looking up..." Pop flies, foul balls into the stands and home runs are but a few ways that the American past time gets us to look up. And thanks to Aaron Judge, America is doing it once again.

Every day I battle getting my sophomores to look up. While their eyes are not on the ground, they are fixed to their device. Although I do not allow cell phone usage inside my classroom, their eyes are rapidly moving from Tik Tok reel, to imessage, to their fantasy football standings and more. During class their iPads are to remain closed until instructed otherwise but as soon as they enter my classroom, they sit down and scroll what and where they can, until the bell rings. While not all students engage with their tech during this window of time, a good number do. That is, except for class on Wednesday, October 5. 2022.

When students walk into my classroom, the drop down screen (think of a small movie screen) highlights the agenda and that night's homework. While some teachers have a clever thought or quote of the day on their introductory slide, I usually have a photo or work of art related to the curriculum. However, after the Yankee slugger broke Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs in a single season the night before, I simply put the photo you see here on the screen.

Students looked at it. Many even talked to someone sitting near them about it. These 15 year olds knew what this was about and many had their own opinions to share.

"It's just the American League home run record!"

"Judge is so yoked. He should have that record."

"He said himself that he views Barry Bonds' 73 home runs as the number to beat!"

"I love that he gave #61 to his mom!"

I let the conversation run its course. I wanted to hear what my students knew and had to say. I shared with them the article I had been reading about the man who caught the long ball. 

As written in Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball is valued in the region of $1-2 million, experts say

Cory Youmans – sitting in left field with a front-row seat – was the lucky fan who caught the historic souvenir at Globe Life Field.

A Dallas resident and Texas Rangers fan, Youmans said he doesn’t know yet whether he’ll keep the ball, and after making the catch – an event that prompted euphoric celebrations – he was escorted from the section of seats by security.

Should Youmans sell the ball, he could be set for a handsome payday.

“In the last week or so, our colleagues at Memory Lane auction house have guaranteed to pay the person who catches the ball $2 million,” Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President of RR Auction, told CNN.

I added "I know that his eyes needed to be looking up in order to get that ball. Remember: keep your head up. Good things can come your way." I think there was an eye roll after that preaching.

Whether or not it is the most impressive record in all of sports, incredible feats like Judge's 62nd home run of the year do more than serve as a talking point. I believe transcendent moments create a space for us to be present to one another. This is not something I take for granted. There are ever more challenges to living in the moment, standing or sitting still and looking up. However, thanks to talent, desire, passion, and achievement we are drawn to something more. St. Irenaus said it best, "The glory of God is the human being fully alive."

Photo Credits
Judge photo for class
Profile smile
Judge's mom

4th of July: Sports & Spirituality Style

I've always wanted to make an
Uncle Sam cake for this holiday

Independence Day—the 4th of July—is my favorite holiday. Upon learning this, a good friend of mine Father Lou once said "it's the only thing not religious about you." I still smile when I think of his kind and thoughtful response. But the two need not be separate, right? So here's my take on America's birthday, sport and spirituality style. 

Listed below are recommendations for what every American ought to consider on this national holiday one year or the next.

Run a 5 or 10K
Americans love a good Turkey Trot, but why not kick start this day with a stars and stripes run? It's something men, women and children of all-ages can complete. It allows a little more license for the impending eats at your afternoon barbecue and as I've written many times, for me, running invokes prayer.

I still treasure the memories of the "Go Fourth" 10K I ran from Alexandria, VA to Mt. Vernon on this day 14 years ago. Running beside places of such historical significance framed the importance of this day. Maybe your road race will take you through a city or state park? Perhaps it is on a trail completed by the WPA. Maybe it's beside the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. America is expansive and diverse. Let your feet discover its awesome terrain. Don't forget to wear red, white and blue!

Attend Daily Mass on July 4
In the same spirit as Thanksgiving, the patriotism that flavors this holiday carries over into the Mass. The staff at your local parish would like to enjoy their own festivities as well, so there is usually but one common Mass on this day. And it's a special one because the petitions carry prayers of gratitude for our freedom, protection for those who serve our country and guidance for our leaders. The songs are ones that every American can and should sing: America the Beautiful, My Country This of Thee, etc. No Springsteen in that queue—but there could be...

I sit with my good friend Jackie every year.
Her family has been going to the Danville Parade for 30 years now

Attend your local 4th of July Parade
I have been out of the country on service Immersion trips twice and I regretted it—both times. I felt as though the heading of a new chapter for my book of summer was missing. For me, the best way to start the day (after my run) is showing up at the Danville Parade.

Your local parade gives you a real feel for the community, what it values and supports. Today I saw veterans from World War II on through a few from Iraq. We stood for "Blue Star Moms," a group of mothers who have sons and daughters active in the military. I always look forward to seeing the Little League All Star baseball players and what water pranks they intend to pull. 

But I'd like to make one small recommendation as you watch one float after another. Make a point to find the best "old school" NBA jersey in the crowd. You would be amazed what you will see. This year, we spotted a young man in a black striped Chicago Bulls jersey. #91. When he walked past, we were delighted to see instead of "Rodman" it said "The Worm." I told him it was a mistake not to wear one of the Detroit Pistons, from the Bay Boys Era. Give it a go. You'll like what you see... 

Pray to or read about the life of one American Saint

I would be remiss if I did not
mention the first Native American
Saint: Kateri Tekakwitha

Take your pick! There are so many holy and inspiring men and women whose selfless gifts indelibly shaped the Catholic Church in America. In addition to their feast day, take this day as one to thank them for the children they taught, the poor they served, the hospitals and schools they founded.

Canonized in 1946, St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart is the first American saint.* "Mother Cabrini," as she is known was born in Italy but immigrated to the US and served men and women like her. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American saint who was born state side. She is known as the founder of the Sisters of Charity (and numerable associates) and the mother of our Catholic schools. St. John Neumann, a native of Bohemia immigrated to the US and later became Archbishop of Philadelphia. He once said "build a school and you'll have a church." I think "Field of Dreams" took his advice.

The rich tradition of saints is a treasure in the Catholic spiritual life. One component I love best is that we have Saints and we have saints. Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton are two exemplary American Catholics.  I'm sure you know of others...

If there ever way a time or place for a "no-no"

Listen to a baseball game on the radio
I write this because attending a baseball game on this day is a given. I will forever wish that I was in attendance at now Giants pitching coach Dave Rightetti's no-hitter as a New York Yankee on July 4, 1983. What could be more American than that? 

But, listening to a baseball game on the radio feels timeless, doesn't it? We refer to baseball as our national past time, but we know that time has passed. Hearing the narrative of the game through that magic box however, convinces me otherwise. It paints vibrant images, it transfers magnificent stories and recalls old memories. I like that past time on the long, hot summer days.

So as you drive to see the fireworks or head home from your pool party, turn on the AM radio and hopefully you'll catch a good game.

Play and compete in at least one sport or game...any sport or game
Horseshoes, ping pong (singles or doubles), volleyball, water balloon toss, belly flop contest, basketball in the pool. Something...anything. Nothing is more American that good old fashioned competition.

Three summers ago I traveled to Denver to spend this holiday with the Davis family. Their community pool and their large family had said games and more. I was so excited to be Sean's partner in the Mother-Son swim relay. I laughed when Pete's Dad and brother jumped in the pool with all the women for the beer toss. And I marveled at how some kids (and adults) sacrificed their bodies and their pride in the belly flop contest. 

My buddy Sean signing us up for volleyball. Forget that it mentions kids... ;-)

I could add to this list, but I'm going to sign off because I want to conclude this day by my final piece of advice. Watch a great American film. Tonight, I'm debating between "The Natural" and "Bull Durham." I'm leaning toward "The Natural." Why? It's soundtrack is so spiritual.

Happy Birthday America! And thank you for 238 years of Freedom.

Photo Credits
Rags
Uncle Sam Cake
St Kateri