Baseball prayer

As we are cleaning up from the week in Dallas, I came across a letter we wrote to Brady before we left. Coach Williams asked each parent to write a prayer for their son and give it to them to hold onto during the tournament.

I'm not a great prayer writer (I generally stick to the traditional, already-written ones), but before it gets lost forever in Brady's bag, I thought I'd share it:

Dear Brady,

You have wanted to play baseball since before you could walk, and we’ve always been happy to encourage you. Baseball teaches you so many lessons that help you in life.

You have to be ready when you are called upon. Whether it’s for one out or a 10-inning game, you have to be ready to step up when asked. Whatever your role is, you do the best you can at it. Every out, every at-bat matters. Make the most of what you are given. God gives us each unique gifts and we have to be open and ready to serve Him and to do whatever is asked of us.

The most important thing is to live in the moment. Whether you strike out or hit a home run, make a spectacular double-play or make a bad throw, that moment is gone. Take what you can from it and get ready for the next one. God calls us all to live each day as if it were our last. Focus on the now. Tomorrow will come in it’s time.

You are part of a team. Baseball is a sport where one person can’t win it alone. You have to count on each other, support each other, and build each other up to be successful. God didn’t put us on this Earth alone and he didn’t put you on this team alone. Trust in each other.

Never give up. The game isn’t over until both teams have their at-bats. As long as there is one out remaining, the game continues and both teams have a chance. Never stop playing until it’s time to line up and shake hands.

A few last things we want to make sure you know. The first is that the clichés are true. If they weren’t, people wouldn’t say them. “The two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.” “Life will always throw you curves, just keep fouling them off... the right pitch will come, and when it does, be prepared to run the bases.” “Swing hard, every strikeout brings you closer to the next home run.” Keep those old sayings in mind and bring them out when you need them. They work.

Finally, don’t worry about making us proud in Dallas. We’re already proud of you. Your character, perseverance, and attitude make you a winner already. We are so proud to wear the Warriors logo in the stands and show the world that you are our son and we love you. No matter what.

Our prayer for you and your teammates is that God will help you be strong, keep you safe, and bring you together as a team. “There is no challenge in front of you greater than the power within you.” Believe in yourself, and know that we believe in you.