Forgiveness Is a Double Play

By Tom Siebert

From 1902–1912, Joe Tinkers, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance formed the most famous double-play combination in baseball history. The Chicago Cubs trio was poetry in motion, and in fact, a now-fabled poem was written about them. “Tinkers to Evers to Chance” became part of the American lexicon, meaning workmanlike precision.

But shortstop Tinkers and second baseman Evers did not play well together off the field. In 1905, the two were involved in an on-the-field fistfight, after Evers had taken a cab to the ballpark and left Tinkers behind in the hotel lobby. Following the fight, they refused to speak to each other, even as the duo played brilliantly side by side for the next seven seasons, helping the Cubs to win four pennants and two World Series. This silent feud lasted until 1938, when they reconciled as guest radio broadcasters during the World Series that fall.

Jesus said, “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15).

Don’t wait 33 years to forgive someone. Make that double play today.