The 1962 Mets lost 120 games. For every four games they played, the lost three. Needless to say they were not a very good team, so to be the backup second baseman may tell you a lot about your talent. On a team with Elio Chacon, Choo Choo Coleman, Marvelous Marv Throneberry(who once dropped a ball a kid tossed to him to autograph,) Hot Rod Kanehl, Pumpsie Green, and Felix "Wrong Way" Mantilla, you may be hard pressed to under achieve in this group. And the next year they improved, winning 51 games, just 48 games out of first place. Helped by their newly acquired a backup second baseman from the Dodgers. Larry Burright. Lifetime .205 hitter, with 33 RBI's in his career. An instant hero among Met fans. A natural for Casey to manage. "Break up the Mets!" the fans cried. So when we heard that Larry Burright, that second baseman for the Mets was visiting our friend's sister, down on Newark Ave., we ran to see him. Peeking through the living room window, there he was-sitting on the sofa with her. Bigger than life, a real ballplayer-a Met! And rather than meet him, we ran away and giggled, because he was bigger than life, which can be very intimidating to an 8 year old. But I can still remember looking in the window with my friends, even if I can't remember the girl he was visiting. And somehow he was not as big in real life without his uniform as he was on TV with it.
Bikerjim and I were joking one day that even if a doctor graduates 312 in class of 312, he is still a doctor. So when his liver doctor came in, we got joking with him, and told him our theory. And where did he graduate in his class? We got a smile, which at first made me think we had just met #312, but it was even funnier. Or sadder, I wasn't the patient. The school he attended didn't have class rankings, it was pass/fail. Sorta like your driving test, don't hit anyone and you will pass. After you get your license, well that's different if you hit someone then. You're legal. And we all laughed, and he saw our point. Which I'm not sure was, but Dr. Pass/Fail would have to do for now. We didn't dare to ask what the passing score was, I know you can miss 30% of the questions in California and still get a license.
I took a course at UNM once on applying books to life. A great course, and learned a lot. I excelled, until I got my grade-PASSED! For in my haste, I had marked the application pass/fail instead of getting a grade. And in the only class I should have had an A, I got credit. The same as the kid who showed up stoned every day, and whose lifelong goal was to live in an adobe hut. The same as the ditzy blond, who giggled about everything, and the girl from New York City with 12 rings in her nose!
A-A-A-H-H-H!!!
For just as Larry had made the team, and Bikerjim's doctor made the staff, I had made the cut. I just had nothing to show for it. Read the small print, it may save you pain later. And embarrassment!
There are a lot of nice people out there going to hell. They think that based on good works, they will make it to heaven. And I have heard them argue how it is not right for God to show mercy to others and let them in, just because they got saved. Now I have never understood that gospel, which is not found in the Bible, but spoken from many pulpits. Just be a good person, and you'll get in. Say the right prayers, attend faithfully, and meet your tithing obligation, and you'll make it. And nothing could be a bigger lie!
You cannot influence God! You cannot earn your way to heaven. Just imagine if you could, like the doctor who was 312 of 312. There are no class rankings in heaven. It is a pass/fail. With a very simple final exam question, it can even be an open book test. Who do you say Jesus is? If you answer "He is the son of God," and repent, you inherit the kingdom of God. But if you deny His deity, say as cults like Jehovah Witnesses, and the Mormons do, you won't make it. You are destined to hell-whether you believe in it or not. No matter how many magazines you pass out, doorbells you ring, or missions you go on-you cannot work your way to heaven. No deals! It is a gift, and only if you accept it, for love does not force itself on anyone, and God is love!
I still love the Mets, although I haven't followed them for years. How can you ever forget game 6? And Bikerjim is still being treated, and everyday thousands pass their driver's test, whether they can drive or not. But no one gets into heaven without Jesus. But God is patient, and right now is a good time to ask Him into your life. No ceremony, no membership to join, just a simple prayer. Forgive me Lord, and I want to be saved.
The process is easy, and the rewards great. And even second string second baseman on a second rate team can get in. Doctors-God wants you, not your ranking. And for the rest of us-I am glad God chose a pass/fail, for I never would have made the grade. And either would you. Brings a whole new meaning to mercy and grace, doesn't it? How about them Mets?
love with compassion,
Mike
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