The FCA Mavericks held it 2008 fall tryout on August 9th at Chapel Hill High School in Douglasville. We had 24 players attend the tryouts a number above what was expected. During the registration I had the opportunity to talk with several parents and players who were excited about the conduct and character that FCA will bring to the team. They also expressed the opportunity for themselves along with their child to get the spiritual training to go along with physical training in the game of baseball. All involved were introduced to the FCA Baseball structure that is in the development stages and were pleased to hear of this.
Prior to the start of the day on the field, a great friend Gary Hardie, introduced me to a book written by Steve Davis (Pastor at Carrollton First Baptist) called "Take a Knee". Gary pointed out a specific devotion within the book that was great to start the tryouts with. My reading was about Ted williams being driven by golf cart to the mound at Fenway Park during the pre-game ceramonies at the 1999 All-Star game. As the current players gathered around Ted they began taking a knee to listen to one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Each of the players took every word that Ted said to their heart with hopes of following in his foot steps. Is this not to what are actions should be toward Jesus Christ, THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.
I had the pleasure of introducing Mick Harper, Chapel Hill HS Head Coach and FCA supporter, who gave a devotion to the players and parents. It was a great to watch as the players and parents gave their full attention to the message that coach Harper presented. Andy Schatz, FCA Events Coordinator, presented the players and parents with the plan the FCA has underway with the structure of FCA Baseball. Rich Newport, owner of Diamond Starz Academy and FCA Baseball supporter, presented everyone with the background of DSA as a FCA Baseball facility and it's values.
As the tryouts began I watched as each player was striving to give their best at everything they did. They were hustling everywhere they went and doing all that they could to impress the coaches on the field with their desire to make the TEAM. Think about all the tryouts that are happening around the area this time of year. Why is it that we go to great lengths and do whatever we have to just to make a baseball team, a team that will deminish once the season is over. Why are we not doing the same for Jesus Christ, a TEAM that will be everlasting.
I am proud to announce the 2008 FCA Mavericks roster:
Chase Patterson
Michael Goodman
Michael Graff
Michael Hollis
Tyler Fiquette
Taylor Guy
Michael Whiteford
Dusty Davis
Andy Almonte
Justin Newport
Randall Wright
Brandon Mallett
Christian Watford
Aaron Harrison
Jake Waters
Matt McCall
Anthony Alvarez
Holden Shepard
Zach Cohoon
