Matthew Rich’s reflection on the interconnectedness of baseball and the church resonates deeply, especially when viewed through the lens of E. Ethelbert Miller’s latest poetic collection, “When Your Wife Has Tommy John Surgery.” Building on themes from his previous work, “If God Invented Baseball,” Miller intertwines his lifelong passion for the sport with significant contemporary issues such as the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Miller’s poetry poignantly addresses the pain and loss experienced during recent years. His powerful line, “Every year, the World Series is played with survivors,” captures the collective grief stemming from COVID-19 and systemic violence, emphasizing that these experiences shape our shared narrative. In “Lost in the Sun,” Miller creatively reframes the imagery of a baseball player fumbling a catch, connecting it to the heartbreaking reality of Black fathers mourning their children, highlighting their profound sorrow even as they attempt to mask it.
While racial violence is a harsh reality, Miller skillfully uses baseball as a metaphor to illuminate the Black experience. By stating, “Baseball is a game of blues,” he acknowledges the injustices faced while also invoking a sense of lament and reflection. In “A Rookie During the Season of Coronavirus,” Miller articulates a sense of loss regarding the beloved game, echoing the yearning expressed in biblical psalms.
Yet, amid the blues and sorrow, Miller infuses his work with a sense of hope. Drawing parallels between baseball and jazz, he celebrates moments of joy, referencing great musicians like Miles Davis and Duke Ellington. His poems invite readers to cherish life’s fleeting moments and the beauty found in everyday experiences.
As a poet and preacher, Miller encapsulates the Christian paradox of acknowledging the nearness of the kingdom while recognizing the ongoing struggle on Earth. He envisions a future that harmonizes the earthly joys of baseball with spiritual awakening. With a hopeful outlook, he portrays a vision of renewal: “when the games return… a sudden beauty will appear…. It will be baseball. It will be prayer.”
In conclusion, Miller’s call to action resonates not only within the realm of poetry and faith, but also invites all to embrace hope, resilience, and the uplifting spirit of the game. His call to “Play ball” encourages a return to joy and community, even in challenging times.