Home run blast

The 2008 Major League All-Start Home Run Derby contest was won by Josh Hamilton, after an amazing first round effort of 28 homers. Last night Josh didn't compete in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star game, but he was there and was interviewed briefly. Asked what it was like to have such a tremendous performance last year, he responded to the effect that 'the best thing about it was the opportunity to witness to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before millions of people.' It was a witness he slipped in again last night.

There's no question that a forum like a TV interview reaches a worldwide audience, so in that sense, it's an opportunity that shouldn't be missed. And the thing that was appealing about Hamilton's comments was the fact that his back-story is one of struggle and overcoming, largely through his faith commitment. So his sincerity is above reproach.

I admit to having some mixed emotions about these kinds of testimonies, though. On one hand, I certainly think it's wonderful when high-profile athletes or entertainers publicly give glory to God and live as genuine role models for young people. We do see these kinds of testimonies on a fairly regular basis from the likes of Tim Tebow, the Florida quarterback, among others. But in another way, I guess I feel a little embarrassed by this kind of testimony occasionally, partly because it seems so out of context and forced. It's a little like that guy with rainbow-colored hair from years past who always showed up a golf tourneys with a placard that said simply John 3:16. (Honestly, I didn't mind that so much, but probably it's because I like that verse myself.) I just can't help wondering how this kind of thing comes across to unbelieving folks. Does it help or hinder?