Sportswriters described him as a proud peacock. One thing is certain, the way that he played the game of baseball was beautiful. On the grand stage of the 1971 World Series, he put on a show that 41 years later baseball fans would still talk about. Roberto Clemente was the complete baseball player. He hit for average and power. He was quick and fast. Clemente ran the bases with the best in baseball. He was an excellent fielder and no outfielder ever had a better arm. Clemente did all things well.Clemente was driven to be the best that he could be and he gave attention to details. In pursuit of his 3,000th hit, Roberto Clemente said, “I have to get that hit this year. I might die.” How prophetic were his words. On Dec. 31, 1972, while on a humanitarian mission Clemente died in a plane crash. He finished his major league career with exactly 3,000 hits. Roberto was much more than a gifted athlete. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was a man of faith. Clemente was generous, especially with children. Today, he is remembered as much for his humanitarian work as his unequalled skill on the baseball diamond. He did all things well.People took notice of Jesus too — that He did all things well. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.” Few have the baseball skills of a Roberto Clemente, yet God has given to each of His children certain talents and gifts.What would happen if more and more people would devote themselves to being the best that they could be? What would life be like if more and more people were found to be faithful in even little things? How much better would our world be if all fixed their “eyes on Jesus, the author and Perfecter of our faith”? How much lovelier would our world be if we sought to be of service to others and generous to a fault? It would be breathtaking — more beautiful than a proud peacock in all its glory!• Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.
