Unknown Heroes

Tomorrow night Bill Greason is being honored in a special baseball game when the St. Louis Cardinals square off against the San Francisco Giants.

“Who’s Bill Greason?” “What’s so special about the Cards and Giants playing baseball? You may wonder?
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The game is being played in the oldest professional ballpark in the US, Rickwood Field, built in 1910. It was the home of Birmingham Barrons of the old Negro League who played there for nearly four decades. It was on the field that nearly 180 future Hall of Famers honed their skills.

The game is a tribute to the history of the Negro Leagues and will honor one of its stars, Bill Greason.

Greason was a teammate and mentor to Willie Mays during those early years. The right-handed pitcher played in the last ever Negro League World Series before a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Greason survived racial discrimination, not only in society in general, but in baseball, as well as in the military when he joined the Marines. In listening to an interview of the 99 year old former ballplayer, who later became a preacher, there is no hint of bitterness or acrimony regarding his lot in life.

When asked by Sports reporter Joe Goodman what he’s learned about life, Greason responded:

“How to treat people,” he said. “Treat people right if you want people to treat you right. And if you can’t get along, get away. Don’t force yourself. Don’t take advantage of anybody.”

Thinking about Greason reminds us of so many common folks who go about their business day by day, week by week, and year by year, minding their own business, doing what they can, serving when they’re called, and making a difference in life.

Folks like Bill Greason are unheralded heroes. Every community has them. They keep the home fires burning. They keep America running. And in many cases keep their congregations functioning, doing the Lord’s work.

In Romans 16 the Bible speaks of nine women, most of whom you’ve never heard of. Phoebe. Priscilla. Mary. Juna. Tryphena. Tryphose. Peris. Julia, And an unnamed woman identified as the “mother of Rufus,” and someone Paul said had been like a mother to him. These women are described as “servants” of the Lord. “Co-workers in Christ.” “Diligent laborers for the Lord.” And beloved. They made a difference in Paul’s life. And the congregations where they worshiped. They are barely a footnote in Scripture. But they were heroes to Paul. And honored for their ministry.

In 1Corinthians 16:17, Paul mentioned three men–Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. He said “they refreshed my spirit and yours.” Little known, and left to an obscure answer in Bible trivia, yet they provided something that was lacking. They invigorated, edified and encouraged the apostle and the church. Paul said, “To acknowledge and recognize such people.”

How many men and women go to work every day, provide for their families, raise their children, serve their community, do good in the world, and minister for the Lord with little or no fanfare? No recognition? No special acclaim? These often overlooked and uncelebrated individuals are important. Valued. Significant. And no doubt heroes to those in their circle of influence.

My preaching colleague and fellow blogger, Roger Shouse, advised in a recent Jump Start post to learn about the history of your congregation. “When did it start? Where? Who were the key people involved?” You have a place to worship because of dedicated Christians, preachers, pastors, and parents, who sacrificed, served, and maybe struggled to plant a church in your community. Their names may be unknown to you, but their legacy lives on. And you are the beneficiary of their ministry.

The late Dee Bowman was right when he wrote, “Life is about little people. It’s not about the rich and the famous, it about the simple folks.”

Yep. Simple folks, unknown and unheard of outside their small circle. Folks like me. And you. And Bill Greason. But all making a difference in our own simple way.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman