Game 7 of the 1926 World Series matched the Saint Louis Cardinals against Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees. Tied at 3 games each, the Saint Louis Cardinals took a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 9th inning of game 7, where the legendary Babe Ruth was on deck.
40 Year old Grover Cleveland Alexander was a relief pitcher for the Cardinals. Emotionally shattered from the effects of unrelenting cannon bombardments in World War I and suffering from epileptic seizures, Alexander was battling a losing struggle with alcoholism.
Alexander had been drinking the night before the 7th game and was sound asleep when he was called into action in the 8th inning of the final game. Alexander struggled through the 8th inning but eventually retired 3 batters.
The Yankees quickly dispatched 3 consecutive Cardinals batters and looked to the Babe to close the series. The Yankees were shocked and laughing to see Alexander walking slowly back out to the pitcher’s mound at the bottom of the 9th inning, but the determined Alexander had never been sharper.
After six pitches, the Yankees found themselves with two outs. Babe Ruth took the plate. Alexander took his time and was selective with his pitches. A few moments later, Babe Ruth walked to first base. Ruth made what was later called by many, as the only mistake of his baseball career.
Hoping to take advantage of Alexander, Ruth attempted to steal 2nd base. He was shot down at 2nd base and Grover Alexander Cleveland claimed his place in sporting history.
Babe Ruth was a legend while most people have never heard of Grover Cleveland Alexander. A man called onto the world stage on a fall day in 1926. Shattered in spirit, physically challenged, held hostage by addiction, the coach refused to give up on Alexander. He woke him up, nudged him off the bench, sent him into the 9th inning of the 7th game of the World Series to face the greatest baseball player the world has ever known – and told him to win.
It’s NEVER too late to join the spiritual battle that wages around us. God believes in YOU. He has called all of us into the game and instructed us to win. Will you accept HIS challenge?
Ross