Pastor’s Pen 

Brooks Robinson, the Hall of Fame third baseman for the Baltimore Orioles 1955-1977, won 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards. He literally dominated the left side of the baseball infield with his dazzling defense, and is still arguably the best third baseman ever to play the game.

During his baseball career he took a strong stand for Christ and influenced many lives, young and old. He said this about facing the temptations offered by the unnatural life of professional sports:

"Before I became a Christian, I knew when I sinned and I regretted it. I’ve been brought up in a church-going family. I had principles and I was aware when they were violated. But it didn’t bother me too much. But as a Christian, things are different. When I commit a sin, there’s nothing casual about how I feel. I’m not simply violating a self-created ‘code of honor.’ I know now that I am sinning against the One who gave His life for me on the cross."

Was he really being honest, or was it just religious talk? Currently Brooks is a management assistant for Crown Central Petroleum, still lives in the Baltimore area, remains active in the Professional Baseball Players Association and serves on the boards of several community service organizations. Baseball advanced his business career, but Jesus formed his spiritual character.