|
Reviews...
Michael O'Connor is a man who knows baseball. Not that he is a recognized expert-a former big-leaguer or a media pundit, but he's a man who knows baseball from the heart, as one who grew up (as
so many of us did) with baseball as a source of dreams and inspiration and who has continued his love affair with the game into adulthood. More importantly, O'Connor is a man who knows God, and he has
written an inspired book about how God has used the game of baseball to provide important life lessons and, ultimately, to bring Michael into a relationship with Himself. Each chapter is a vignette on
life with baseball, at turns funny, poignant and sometimes intensely personal, and each ties into the theme of God using baseball to work in a man's life. This is real baseball the way an average
American experiences it- Little League fields and tears on a failed stolen base attempt and passionate caring about the fortunes of a major league team. And there is real spirituality here, too, with the
author's relationship with his creator showing through at every turn. This book is highly recommended for every baseball fan who knows God, and even more for any fan who doesn't.
Ted Smith
http://www.diamondfans.com
Religious and baseball parables are teammates in this spiritual approach to the national pastime.
USA Today’s Baseball Weekly
How many people would give God the credit of creating baseball? Michael O'Connor is one who does with eloquence, passion and love.
Mr. O'Connor takes the reader through a nine inning game of life and his faith in both baseball and the Lord.
From the moment he discovers an old yellowed soggy cigar box, until the insightful ending, Michael paints a moving portrait for anyone who has ever played, or simply loved the game.
His reflection on childhood events, achievements and failures, along with his beliefs, are all laid out with the help of a greater spirit...according to him.
If that is the case, then Mr. O'Connor deserves some of the credit for allowing himself to be the paintbrush used to illustrate the canvas.
His artful stroke and encompassing love is beautiful.
This book offers a unique perspective about the game of baseball.
If God created baseball, then he surely called Michael up to pinch hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing by three runs.
Michael's response?
Game over. Mr. O'Connor has just cleared the fence.
Edmond Obannon
http://www.baseballology
“Fans of more sedate sports, such as America's favorite pastime, will enjoy Michael O'Connor's Sermon on the Mound: Finding God at the Heart of the Game. O'Connor, a diehard baseball fan who
converted to Christianity when the Boston Red Sox failed to win game six of the 1986 World Series (long story), doesn't write like the rookie author that he is. He is, as they say in baseball, a
natural.”
Publishers Weekly
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
"With a unique blend of wry humor and baseball anecdotes, the book entertains as it teaches about Christian fundamentals such as God's will, and much more...This is a book that teaches
spiritual lessons without being preachy and would be a great gift to give fans of America's favorite pastimte as the baseball season opens, or on other special occasions."
Christian Retailing, Feb 19, 2001
|
