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Around two years ago, Alex Sauceda had an idea. He told his men’s small group we should play softball in the men’s division of the City of Nogales Parks and Recreation summer league.
Alex had played with a different team and had a blast playing with some of his work friends. It was official when one of the brothers offered to pay for the registration fee and the uniforms!
With a mix of high school youth, guys in our 30s and a few 40-somethings we took the field for our first game.
Coach George Hardwick led his team to humble beginnings with scores of 30 or 40 runs versus 0.
We had heard the league was competitive but quickly realized that our collective play was, to put it kindly, downright awful and amusing.
Ruthie Hardwick laughed so hard that other teams felt sorry for us.
Our first goal was not to win but to play beyond the 5th inning where games are stopped for what is called “the mercy rule”.
The team, however, continued to come back game after game and loss after loss, praying before each game and playing with heart and enthusiasm.
Border Patrol officers, produce employees, and other respected community members began to compliment our players and family members about the way we carry ourselves on and off the field.
We heard comments from other teams like, “Have you seen those church guys? They don’t cuss. They don’t stay after the game and drink beer.”
Two seasons later the FBC men’s softball team has become a band of brothers sharing the love of Jesus Christ on and off the playing field.
Relationships and friendships have developed between the players, their wives, and family members. New men’s small groups have started as a result of the relationships.
We have met socially for the classic Carne Asada with all the traditional fixings. There have been some home runs (mostly from the other teams) and some strikeouts (mostly from our team) and, yes, we have even tasted victory…more than once!
Our purpose is greater than a final score. Stay tuned for more good laughs and some good play…maybe. Until then, as our leadoff batter, Tyler Hardwick, says after each game, “Bring it in, men! FBC on 3. 1-2-3 FBC!!”
The FBC men’s softball team is a part of CHAMPS: ministry to men and their families, a ministry of First Baptist Church.
