Babe Ruth and Brother Matthias
Baseball Hall of Fame
Last month, my husband and I traveled to New England. I had been invited to share my story in Cranston, Rhode Island, for the RI Soul Care event. I will share more about that in an upcoming blog post.
While in New England, we took a few days to enjoy the scenery and do a little sightseeing. A great surprise for me was that we were able to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. I am a big baseball fan, so walking through the halls and viewing the history and memorabilia brought great joy. I could have used another day to take it all in.
Elite baseball players were highlighted through the museum. Many I knew well and some, from years ago, were unfamiliar to me. I read as many articles as our short visit allowed.
Babe’s Display
A large display in the Hall of Fame was rightly devoted to Babe Ruth. One area in that display stood out to me. It had to do with Babe’s upbringing. I learned of his rough neighborhood and growing up without healthy direction from parents. His father encouraged behavior that could have ruined him.
Incorrigible Babe
I took a photo of the following quote from Babe Ruth revealing how his life took a better turn.
“On June 13, 1902, when I was seven years old, my mother and father placed me in St. Mary’s Industrial School in Baltimore, a training school for orphans, incorrigibles, delinquents. I was listed as incorrigible, and I guess I was. It was at St. Mary’s that I met and learned to love the greatest man I’ve ever known. His name was Matthias. He taught me the difference between right and wrong. It was Brother Matthias who made me a pitcher.”--Babe Ruth*
I choked up as I read the quote. How could Brother Matthias have known the eventual outcome of this incorrigible boy? Brother Matthias must have invested in countless struggling children through the years. I can only imagine the patience and consistency needed to lovingly discipline those who lost their way at an early age. The discipline had to have come with love or the outcome would have been different.
Unknown Potential
Brother Matthias couldn’t have dreamed that this young incorrigible would one day be one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived. Babe Ruth had a good grasp on the influence of his mentor. In teaching Babe right and wrong, Brother Matthias enabled Babe to become who he was destined to be.
Most graduates from St. Mary’s Industrial School lived in obscurity. Their lives had no less meaning. Helping lost children find their way made a difference in their future families, relationships, and work. I wonder how many lives were touched because of one man’s faithful ministry to floundering students.
I, as an avid baseball fan, owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Matthias and all like him who influenced youngsters without knowing how they would affect the world. Little George was not an angel, but he was a boy with potential beyond his own wildest dreams.
Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
*Photo taken at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.