Mound Visits, 5/31/19
For two weeks during the summer of 1970 I was among greatness and didn’t actually realize it. I was a pitcher in the Expos organization in the Gulf Coast League. We all lived in “Pirate City,” the complex that housed four of the leagues teams in the dorms at the Pirate’s spring training complex. Harvey Haddix was the special assignment pitching coach for the Pirates. Lew Burdette was our pitching coach. I saw these guys every day and had access to their knowledge, experience and wisdom. I didn’t truly comprehend that 12 years earlier they pitched against each other in the greatest pitching duel in baseball history. You see, Haddix pitched 12 perfect innings (an MLB record), and lost 1-0! Burdette pitched a complete game 13 inning shutout!
Every day we walk among greatness. God is always with us. We enjoy His grace…many times without even thanking Him. We have access to His wisdom and compassion but seldom ask for it. It’s available just the same. My goal today is to be more aware of the greatness that is near to me.
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3)
Keith Madison
SCORE International
