Simon Says Glorify God

By Corine Gatti
Contributing Correspondent

CBN.com – When the Spaniards travelled back from the Caribbean in the 15^th- century, they brought back more than vitamin C laden fruit for their sailors infected with Scurvy. They returned to their coastline with a name for their newly discovered island -- Curacao. Because of the healing effect of the fruit to a crippling crew, legend has it Curacao is another word for the word "cure". But there is another meaning for the Dutch Island located just 12 miles north of the equator. An alternative to the Curacao was Curazon. Curazon means "heart" from the very same Spanish people, who initially plotted their way to the island in search of fine treasures.

So what does this tropical island have to do with sports? The meaning of the countrys name signifies a characteristic of Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Randall Simon. The 27-year-old has become the heartbeat of the Bucs lineup this season. Hes noted to swing at every pitch thrown to him, good or bad. And it stands to reason why the left-hander has accumulated 37 RBIs with the lumber so far this season. With an overall batting average of .285, Simon is one of the National Leagues most touted players this year.

How does his recent success measure up in Kingdom standards? Anyone can claim to be follower of Jesus Christ. Simon acknowledges God in print most of time hes interviewed, and hes consistent in his quotes. Nevertheless, this may be the soft-spoken players cover letter, but his resume with the Lord began in his youth.

"My mother always talked to me about God when I was a kid," says Simon, who is the youngest of eleven children. "She taught me, Hes my guidance and to put my life in His hands."

Simon is not exactly a newcomer to the sport, but six years in baseball hardly qualifies him for the rookie title. His Major League Baseball (MLB) address has changed often during his time in professional baseball. Since the late 1990s, Simon has shuffled through the minor leagues with Atlanta, Detroit and spent a brief time in the New York Yankee organization. Although Simons career looked unsettled, he still managed to capture the team MVP last year with the dismal Detroit Tigers. Also dismal, were the remarks made about Simon during training camp earlier this year from former Detroit teammates. Reponses to Simons exit off the team were mixed. Statements about his presence in the clubhouse ran cold.

"I asked God to give me the adequate strength -- I never lost my faith," explains Simon, during a recent interview with CBN.com.

Simon was traded to the Bucs last November in exchange for three minor leaguers. Presently, he finds himself in comfortable surroundings. Particularly, with manager Lloyd McClendon, who was a player himself in the Major Leagues during the 1980s.

"I have a good relationship with management and my teammates here," says Simon. "They treat me awesome. I am close to manager Lloyd McClendon, I am able to talk to him about different things that are going on. I like that."

At times, when your light is shining in the dark, there will be a threat of having the plug pulled out from the energy source that maintains the flow of peace. Although the incident happened a few seasons ago, most will remember the media frenzy and controversy surrounding Simon and former teammate John Rocker during an interview the former Brave closer conducted with Sports Illustrated. His comments caused a stir in the Atlanta Brave clubhouse and across baseball. His comments about the thickness of Simons 240-pound frame in addition to his ethnicity, caused much pain and hurt for him as well as much of the MLB community.

"It was really tough for me because of my anger, I wanted to fight," remembers Simon.

But he kept his fists from making contact, and refused seeking revenge, because of some solid advice.

"I thank God for my wife and family, who told me not to do something I might regret today. So, I forgave him, and let it go. Later, he apologized to me," Simon says.

Between the cheers or boos from fans, a small group of players meet for chapel during each homestand and on the road. Pirate Captain Kevin Young and others feast on the Word between flights and commitments. Today, with million dollar salaries and egos that shadow the diamond worse than a hurricane, some in the MLB are still hungry for meatier fulfilment. Simon responds enthusiastically to the response of players willingness let God take residence.

"Major League baseball is open to the Gospel, but we have to keep preaching the Word of God!"

If Simon were to publish a book of Gods lessons for his life, one of the quotes that might identify his struggle to the top might read: "After the Braves released me, I didnt give up. He has taught me patience and to believe in my abilities and myself. God always puts things in your way to cause you to learn, and because of this, Im growing more."

Randall Carlito Simons native country of Curacao is one of the Kingdoms of the Netherlands. Like most of us, He is in the process of trying to advance another growing Kingdom, the Kingdom of God.

Simon says, " I just want to be guided down the right road."

That right road may be leading Pittsburgh toward an on field revival, or, more importantly, one in the hearts of players around the league. Simons struggle to build a solid career may be over, but like the rest of us, the battle is on, so its important to make every pitch thrown to us count. And between those crucial innings, its important fill up the spiritual tank with the Word, which will help empower each of us past first base with poise and dignity.