West Cocoa Chat

Since several of you asked me to give you a report on my son who is playing high school baseball with respect to my prayer request a few posts ago, here’s the update.

God steered us to a hitting instructor named Chris who owns a business called “Core Baseball.” I spoke with Chris on the phone last week and I was amazed at how he described Steven with respect to his hitting slump even though he had never seen him. He said I bet your son is used to being successful in the hitting department but now he doubts his own abilities. He conjectured that Steven was probably a bit worried that others were having success at the plate while he was meeting with frustration. That close description was enough to peek my interest so we met with Chris at his home this past Saturday.

Chris spent the first 30 minutes just talking with Steven. He told him that hitting was like life, everything must be in balance emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He then worked with him on a hitting tee and discovered one flaw in this swing. When Steven applied the correction the results were almost instantaneous, line drives into the middle of the net. It’s a good feeling as a parent when you see your son have confidence return to him.

BTW, for some of you, this was the best part – he refused to take any money! He said he loves the game so much that he loves helping others become more successful. We’re going to go back to Chris tomorrow after our workday at the ball field.

Something that impressed me was Chris teaching Steven that everyone needs a “slump swing.” He told Steven every hitter goes through a slump. He said his slump swing is his same swing minus any of his shoulder tapping with the bat as well as his “trigger.” He told Steven that when he was in a slump, he didn’t want to do anything in the box except step in and load the bat, then see the ball and hit it. As his swing came back he would gradually add his normal routine.

This kind of reminded me of Randy Lowry’s statement (relayed to me by Greg, owner of Chipper) about churches and “conflict:” “Churches are always in 3 states, in conflict, coming out of conflict, or getting ready to go through conflict.” Maybe ministers and elders need a “slump swing” when it comes to their flocks?

Back to Steven – We had one game this week. He didn’t start but did come in during the 4th inning. He came to bat in the 6th inning; the score was 0 to 0 with a runner on first. The coach signaled a “swinging bunt” which he almost pulled off but the ball went foul. With 2 strikes he hit a line drive (the coach said it was the hardest hit ball of the game) but unfortunately it was right at the first baseman. Still, I consider that a good sign since we weren’t making any contact earlier.

So there you have it sports / interested in my son fans. Thanks for your prayers. Have a good weekend.