The Hot Corner

By Marvin Ferguson

The veteran baseball player has been around for a long time. He started with the Boston Braves (1946). Before ending his career as a player with the Milwaukee Braves (1960), he entertained New York Giant, St. Louis Cardinal, and Philadelphia Philly fans.

 He was a successful manager, winning a pennant with the Giants (1962). More managing opportunities followed with the Kansas City Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, and San Diego Padres.

 During his baseball career he received many accolades—3x All Star selection, 2x World Series Champion, 1948 Rookie of the Year, and 1955 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award.

But I remember Al Dark best when he played third base with the Chicago Cubs. He fielded fast moving ground balls, caught sharp hit line drives, and made the long throw across the diamond look easy.

 He described the third base position as "The Hot Corner." Surely, it was a place where it was necessary to stay alert.

 Life is like living on "The Hot Corner." It's a do or die situation—a relationship with God. Either we're in the loop or not. There is no neutral middle of the road position. By doing nothing with our own life doesn't make our relationship with God right.

 Al Dark knew the importance about playing third base. Playing good defense helped win ball games. A poor performance and the team suffered losses.