"It's not a good night to be an atheist."

If you are a baseball fan then you watched Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers set a new single round record with 28 homers in the first round of Home Run Derby.  Much more amazing is Josh Hamilton's story of how God saved him from a life of drugs and alcohol that almost ruined him.  He said,  "When I get the urge to have a drink or do something I'm not supposed to do, I think about what a hypocrite I would be to my Christianity and my sobriety." He continued, "My wife told me in the midst of my addiction that God was going to let me get back to baseball." Then Josh Hamilton added, "Being able to share my story, that's what it's all about."   If you want to read more about his story here is one version in the Dallas News.  My favorite line of the night was from one of the ESPN announcers while Hamilton was clobbering homer after homer out of Yankee Stadium, "It's not a good night to be an atheist."

Comments

[Peter Hamm]

It never is a good night to be an atheist.

[Anne]

Peter already said what I wnated to say.. butit is true and bears repeating, it is NEVER a good night to be an atheist!!

[david]

That was one of the most inspiring events I have ever seen.

[Dale Schaeffer]

What an awesome story...I saw Josh Hamilton last year in Cincinatti and he gave his testimony following the game as a part of a Mercy Me concert...one of the most moving and real stories I've heard from a professional athlete!

Love the atheist quote...texted it to several friends last night when I heard Kurkjen say it.

[Steve Kerby]

Did you hear the part of his story where he never goes out alone? He says he doesn't truat himself. Sounds like doing life in community to me!

[Kevin Davis]

Great story - Hamilton is a great voice for the Christian community.

[chrisj]

I was going to mention what Steve wrote. Its not just community, but also great example of accountability.

[chrisj]

Cool tattoos also

[John]

Yes, Hamilton stole the show. Shame he didn't win. He won in everyone's hearts, that's for sure.

The HR Derby was turning out to be a flop before Hamilton came up to bat.

Rick Reilly was trying to stir up controversy earlier in the evening when he said something to the effect that it was "pathetic that it was 8 white guys" in the competition.

If it wasn't for Hamilton, his comments would be headlines today.

[Jon Ritner]

It was Reilly who made the comment. I caught it too and have been talking about it with staff all day.

[Marty Maier]

But didn't win. So your bullshit Jesus couldn't deliver the goods asgain. Don't worry, Hamilton might have had his 15 minutes of fame, but soon he'll be in some back alley trying to spike himself with a real higher power. And I'll get my turn to laugh when they cry over it on TV, just like they did when he lost in the finals.

[chrisj]

I don"t suppose Marty left a forwarding email address??

[Dave Ferguson]

Yep, Marty left his e-mail address. So those are his real feelings. If you want to respond, go for it.

[Greg Atkinson]

I love his story and we in Dallas all cheer for him. My pastor, Pete Briscoe, has referred to him several times in his message. Josh does "glasshouse living" - amazing story.

[Brian]

Where can I get Marty's email address? Better yet where can I find that fool. I believe he needs a "come to Jesus" meeting.

[Billy B.]

It's always a good night to be an atheist.