The year 2019 marked the 100th anniversary of a notorious moment in baseball’s history: the White Sox’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds in the 1919 World Series, which produced a scandal that stained the sport’s reputation. It has been called the Black Sox scandal and has been written about in books and featured in movies. 

Eight members of the Chicago White Sox were bribed to lose the 1919 World Series to the Cincinnati Reds. Among the accused players was outfielder Joe (Shoeless Joe) Jackson, one of baseball’s greatest hitters. Babe Ruth said of him, “I copied Jackson’s style because I thought he was the greatest hitter I had ever seen, the greatest natural hitter I ever saw. He’s the guy who made me a hitter.” Court records suggest the players received $70,000 to $100,000 for losing five games.

Hebrews 13 – Ethical Instructions

Personal ethics can not only ruin a team but also forever stain the reputation of those involved. Although there is evidence that “Shoeless” Joe Jackson did not take the money, he was banned from baseball and may never enter the Hall of Fame. The author of Hebrews knew that the internal threat to the early church was far more dangerous than external forces. He placed particular emphasis (13:1-3) on how to treat those on board the ship. He encouraged brotherly love and hospitality. Then he turned to personal ethical instructions on marriage and money. Nothing can destroy a team or church more quickly than a money or sex scandal.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete make commitment and contentment their core values in sports and throughout their Christian life. They refuse to compromise with the shifting sports culture and standards when those standards are not biblical.

Bible Memory Verse –“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Core Values

Our featured book this week is Jesus Is Bigger Than Football by Ron Brown and Gordon Thiessen. In 2025, a post-game prayer between Nebraska and Cincinnati players and coaches captured national attention, reminding millions that some things are bigger than the game itself. Jesus Is Bigger Than Football challenges athletes, coaches, and fans to see sports through an eternal lens and discover that true identity, purpose, and victory are found not on the field, but in Christ. Click HERE to review. 

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