PLOACH

PLOACH

What an interesting word. Actually it was a nickname for a professional baseball player towards the end of his career.
Robin Ventura….recently named Manager of the Chicago White Sox baseball team is the owner of that nickname. It’s a combination of two words……player and coach.
He received this nickname at the end of his 15 year career in professional baseball. During his career he played first and third base for four major league teams, the White Sox, Mets, Yankees and the Dodgers.
It was during his time with the Dodgers that he earned the nickname “PLOACH.” It was given to him by his teammates. They realized that as a veteran player…..he was 37 years old by this time……that not only was he contributing on the field but he was contributing on the bench by helping the younger players develop their skills, attitudes, habits and life skills away from the field. He wasn’t a coach….yet…..but he more than a player. He was PLOACH!
So what does this have to do with us? A lot.
In 2 Timothy 2 Paul gives three metaphors for the Christian Life. One of these metaphors is that of an athlete. (The other two were a soldier and a farmer)
I realize that Paul was probably focusing on the idea of being in continual training, staying focused and disciplined so that when the race was run, the athlete would receive the Victor’s Crown. But I also wonder if Paul had something more in mind…….such as PLOACH.
I’m sure some of the “older” athletes helped the younger athletes. Perhaps even encouraged them; challenging them to go beyond what they had ever done before. And helped them realize the importance of always being in training and always to be willing to do whatever it took to win.
I’m sure some of the older athletes were jealous; some perhaps even would try and sabotage the careers of the younger ones. Those things happen in baseball in business and even in the Church.
But we need to follow the examples of the right thing to do….such as Paul….he was coaching right up to the end. And athletes like Robin Ventura……PLOACH!
Always In Pursuit!