The possibilities of one man with vision
This weekend Holli and I went to Louisiana & Mississippi to see our familiy. While we were there we saw an LSU baseball game Saturday. This was our first trip to the new Alex Box stadium and It is impressive!
As we took the game in Saturday I couldn't help but think about how the stadium came to be and how LSU baseball became what it is today.
The primary reason is the vision of one man; Stanley "Skip" Bertman.
I've never met Skip Bertman. I've read an interview that was done on him once but that's it. But, even though I've never met him personally, I can see and have experienced the results of his vision. Let me explain.
When Coach Bertman came to LSU, baseball was what you did to pass the time until spring football. But Bertman changed that big time! In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, when Bertman came to LSU, baseball wasn't as popular among other SEC schools as it is today. Mississippi State, under Ron Polk had a strong program and there were a few others but nothing on the scale that it is today. Bertman is in part, responsible for that.
He took a program that basically just existed and gradually transformed it into a powerhouse. Today, LSU baseball is one of the top baseball programs in the country. Last Friday night, in the opening game of the year for LSU. there were 10k+ in attendance... ...for a college baseball game.
On Saturday, as I took in the new stadium, I couldn't help but think of the old Alex Box. It was a decent stadium in its day. As LSU baseball began winning , bleachers had to be added. I attended several games at "The Box" and I think it's safe to say that Bertman found a way to squeeze as many people as possible into that old stadium. So, as I looked around at the new stadium, I realized that it is basically a testament to Bertman's vision. It's a beautiful stadium. First class.
That reminded me of the power of vision.
When Bertman came to LSU the program was moribund and the stadium was out-dated. But, Bertman started recruiting, motivating, promoting and dreaming and LSU began winning. There is a billboard in right-field that is known was "The Intimidator." The billboard lists the years LSU won National Championships. There were none before him... there were five during his tenure.
Skip Bertman and LSU baseball is a reminder that one person can accomplish significant things. The vision of one man has led to the existence of one of the most beautiful college baseball venues in the country and a nationally recognized program. Every year, LSU baseball is consistently ranked in the top twenty-five and every team begins the year fully expecting to reach the College World Series in Omaha. . That is primarilyl due to the vision of Skip Bertman.
In Nehemiah 1, God placed a vision on the heart of Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Nehemiah surveyed the walls, brought the people together, cast the vision and implemented the plan. The result? The walls of the city were rebuilt primarily due to the vision of one man, Nehemiah.
Maybe God has placed a vision on your heart... maybe it's something you want to see happen but question if it will ever develop. One person can make a difference. One person with passion can accomplish much. Skip Bertman and LSU baseball is a perfect example.
Comments