Ray Caldwell

On August 24, 1919, Cleveland Indians pitcher Ray Caldwell was pitching against the Philadelphia Athletics. His team was ahead by a score of 2-1 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Just one more out to go and Caldwell would have pitched his team to a victory.

Just then, lightning struck. I mean literally! Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning and knocked unconscious. After a while he was revived, and, remarkably, he stayed in the game! Caldwell retired Joe Dugan on a ground ball to end the game and seal the victory for Cleveland.

Rarely do we see such amazing examples of perseverance, but when we do we are encouraged to hang in there when we face adversity ourselves. The next time you feel like you’ve been knocked out of the game, remember Ray Caldwell!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”—Hebrews 12:1-3.