Casey at the Bat

“Casey at the Bat” has got to be the most well-known sports poem in American history. The “Mudville nine” are down four to two, with one inning left with two outs. Two men wait at second and third base. And finally “Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.” 

Of course, the great Casey, a portrait of pride and contempt of his opponents, an idol to the fans… well, he strikes out.

Returning to this poem when baseball is on your congregation’s mind (or during other high sports seasons) can provide a vivid image of pride before a fall, the false messiahs of sports, and how…