More Than A Game - John Fuhrman - Bog

Baseball is a funny game. In one way or another, it was also Jack Bosen's life. Growing up as a pitcher, Jack found comfort in a faith filled family and on the pitcher's mound. With his father's guidance, Jack learned the discipline necessary to compete. Because of the example set at home, Jack also learned the value of believing. Until the pillars in his life were taken. He lost his mother at age 11 and his father to cancer as a senior in high school. It was his father that kept Jack holding on to his faith after his mom passed and when he lost the strongest man in his life, his faith was buried that day as well. Jack was better than most pitchers. In fact, his work and drive earned him a selection in the major league draft. Through the trials and challenges of minor league baseball, Jack pressed on. And then, as every ball player dreams, he got the call. His record would say he didn't deserve this chance, but injuries forced the team to bring him up to the majors. Then, while he was on the mound, living his dream, it all crashed around him. Jack Bosen suffered a freak stroke right in the middle of pitching in a big league game! Through flashbacks, we see Jack develop his strength, rekindle his faith, and ultimately become the man who makes a real difference through his new found determination. No longer able to walk, let alone pitch, Jack takes on coaching a Little League team at the field that will be dedicated to his father on opening day. He is asked to speak to the small crowd of parents and former players who knew his dad. He wants to make this a special day and show all of them what faith can really accomplish. The real lesson occurs when Jack marries and has a son of his own. In a moment like many parents face in today's economy, Jack Bosen discovers the real lesson his father taught him years ago. Life's rewards come to you when you live it by putting others first. Like the seasons passing each year, the foundation of faith remains. While sometimes it must be rediscovered, it was there when it was needed.