To My Magnificent Agents, Staff and Friends:
I confess that I’m not a big baseball fan. However, when the World Series comes around each year, I do tend to follow what’s going on. Still, rarely do I watch the games on television. But, this year has been an exception. I’m not sure if it is because both teams are not perennial contenders – the Cardinals haven’t won a World Series since the 1940’s and the Rangers have never won. Then again, it may be because the teams have been so competitive with the leads swinging back and forth. That was certainly the case in last night’s thriller. Which team will end their season clutching the brass ring of fame? Which player will attain Most Valuable Player status? We’ll have to wait until sometime tonight after the conclusion of the seventh game for the answer. Whichever team it is, clearly the Series that was dismissed by many around the country before it began for lacking glamour teams suddenly has turned into must-see TV.
Whether we admit to it or not, it is a common human trait to seek and embrace fame. Whether we are directly involved or symbiotically as a fan, most of us have at least dreamed of what it would be like to be famous; to be renown. Interestingly, the desire for fame often ends once it is attained. When we listen to the words of the famous talk about it once it has been gained, we learn that it is like a fleeting lover. We learn that fame and tranquility are rarely bedfellows.
Few were more familiar with success and fame than the legendary Babe Ruth. But for all its worth, his fame and fortune never really afforded him what he really needed.
The Babe once wrote, “Fame is a spotlight one minute and a bull’s-eye the next. The people who cheer loudest when you succeed are those who throw soda pop bottles the hardest when you fail.
It’s all very well to be known all over the world. It pays big dividends. But dividends alone won’t make a person happy. I think it is better to be known well by a few good friends – trusted and liked and respected by them in spite of all of one’s weaknesses and shortcomings – than to be cheered on every continent by people who think you’re great.
Most of the people who have really counted in my life were not famous. Nobody ever heard of them – except those who knew and loved them. I have written my name on thousands of baseballs in my life. But I knew an old priest once who wrote his name on but just a few simple hearts. How I envy him! He was not trying to please a crowd. He was merely trying to please his immortal soul. So fame never came to him.
I am listed as a famous home run hitter, yet when I compare myself to that obscure priest, who was good and wise, I never got to first base. You see, success isn’t measured in home runs or fame, it is measured by one’s care for, and kindness toward, others.”
“At that time I will bring you home,
and at that time I will gather you;
For I will give you renown and praise,
Among all the people of the earth,
When I bring about your restoration
Before your very eyes, says the LORD.”
– Zephaniah 3:20
Have an AWE-full weekend and enjoy the game!
Bill