By Lu Gronseth
The following article originally appeared in the April, 1976 issue of The Christian Athlete, then the flagship publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Did you know there is a batboy shortage? I’m not sure what the latest Department of Labor statistics are on the need for batboys, but I know there is a real need for people with the heart of a batboy.
Wait a minute, you’re saying, what is the heart of a batboy? I thought athletics was all about the heart of champions, tough mental attitude, the will to win, pride, satisfying your ego, and all that. Well, there’s this new philosophy going around that if you really want to make it, you have to develop the heart of a batboy… the heart of a servant.
Let’s look at what makes a successful batboy. First, he has to like to pick up bats, polish shoes, chase balls, etc. Second, he has to be there early to get ready and stay late to clean up. Third, he has to be oblivious to recognition because there won’t be any. Fourth, he has to think more of others than himself or he won’t enjoy it. Lastly, he has to be indifferent to the game going on around him so he’ll stay true to his job.
Can you imagine what might happen if athletes and coaches really did start taking on the heart of a batboy? What if all head coaches became the willing servants of their assistants? What if the guard decided to serve the tackle and vice versa? What if everyone put the team ahead of himself? It might create a while new sports environment.
A baseball coach would trade almost anything for a good batboy. If you’ve ever tried to coach and be the batboy at the same time, you know what I mean. I can’t help but think that God is looking for some batboys, people who really are willing to serve others. Oh, it’s fun to pitch and bat clean-up, but how about being the batboy?
Jesus had everything—He was equal to God, yet He gave it all up to become a servant. To show His disciples how serious He was about the importance of being a servant, He washed their feet, the lowliest of jobs. He set the example for us.
The thing I’ve always admired about most batboys is the amount of fun they have doing their job. They’d do it all day if they could, and all for nothing or maybe a broken bat, if they’re lucky.
It seems to me that one of the real potentials for happiness that God has given us in this world lies in truly serving others, motivated by a relationship to Jesus Christ.
Some of the greatest examples of real servants I’ve ever seen are the coaches who serve as Huddle leaders in our high schools. Week after week, year after year, they unselfishly pour out their lives into the lives of their young athletes, being faithful to their Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Do you and I have the qualifications to make it as a servant? Do we enjoy doing the lowly tasks? Are we willing to make the sacrifice to get the job done? Are we willing to forego any self-glory? Do we think more of others than ourselves? Lastly, have we so experienced the lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives that we have no interest in the things of this world and thus remain true to our duties?
Jesus gave some hard advice on being a servant in Luke 17:9, “When you have done everything that was assigned and commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants—possessing no merit, for we have not gone beyond our obligation: we have merely done what was our duty to do.’” (Amplified)
Editor’s Note: This story, and many others – along with photos, videos and quotes – is part of an ongoing project commemorating FCA’s 60th anniversary in 2014. A digital timeline, located at timeline.fca.org will be updated throughout the year, with content being added multiple times each week. Fans can post their memories in each timeline post’s comments section. Also, follow along on Facebook and Twitter, and add your own memories, by using the #FCA60 hashtag.