Sometimes sports stories are tremendously inspiring and we can see life truths in their performances. Such seems the case with the American League champion Detroit Tigers, a team that lost 119 games, (out of a 162 game schedule), just three years ago. Now this team is at the top of its game, ready to play in the World Series.
A big part of their story is 61-year old manager Jim Leyland, who came out of retirement to manage the Tigers. Although Leyland has had some successes, most notably with the Barry Bonds led Pittsburgh Pirates of the early nineties (three division championships, two manager of the year awards), and a World Series victory with the Florida Marlins in 1997, he entered 2006 after two losing seasons and six years in retirement.
But now he is hailed as a miracle worker, with just the right motivation for his mostly young team. Along with star 41-year-old pitcher Kenny Rogers, Leyland is a great comeback story.
Here he is with a lifetime losing record (1164-1198), but regarded by many at the manager with the Midas touch in 2006.
Baseball is an intrinsically hopeful sport. Hope springs eternal every spring. Jim Leyland adds to that legendary truth. And he teaches us a life lesson.
Be patient. Wait on the Lord. Be gentle with ourselves.
Maybe our best seasons are yet to come!
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