The Little Flowers of Dan Quisenberry

i.m. (1953-1998)

I’ve had so many good things happen to me. So why not me?

And why not there, in that relic-worthy skull, where his good-willed thrust and parry with the local press existed in its jocular fullness?

I think Christ would do it that way. Or Steve Garvey.

Hardly a laureled Hall of Famer, but saintly in the modern sense, still hero enough, emblazoned on my place mat, his submarine curveball thrown.

No man is worth more than another, and none is worth more than $12.95.

He’d be clutch in the ninth, seal the game after afternoon bullpen slumber: those summer double-headers in the grim bubble of the Metrodome:

I don’t think there are any good uses for nuclear weapons, but this might be one.

I-70 World Series that year, whole state euphoric, that autumn of ’85. Was a Royals victory “God’s will”? Of course! Their winning meant I’d be assertive.

God is concerned with hungry people and justice, not my saves.

New boy in Cardinal Country, I crowed and wagged my mouth and galloped to class wearing a plastic batter’s helmet. When last bell rang I got my ass whipped.

I’m here! It’s Merry Christmas!

There are toys in my locker. Gloves and bats and balls.

Friend of Dad’s swore Quiz was a neighbor, single men in suburban apartments. He gave me a signed ball (real? maybe? doubtful now) for a birthday present.

I have seen the future, and it’s much like the present, only longer.

No idea where that ball went. For ten years I’ve been reprobate, estranged by boredom from the mediocre Royals. The game never changes, but people change.

Brett Foster is assistant professor of English at Wheaton College, where he teaches creative writing and Renaissance literature.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today/Books & Culture magazine. Click here for reprint information on Books & Culture.

Our Latest

Justices Debate Christian Therapist’s Challenge to ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban

Colorado evangelical Kaley Chiles calls the law a violation of her free speech.

Wire Story

Tony Evans Will No Longer Pastor Dallas Megachurch After Restoration

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship announced that its pastor of 48 years won’t return to leadership. The church expects son Jonathan Evans to succeed him.

You Don’t Have to Be Radical

Most Christians aren’t monks, missionaries, or martyrs. We’re unimpressive and unsatisfactory—yet saved by God’s scandalous grace.

From a Village of Bandits to a Village of the Gospel

Stuartpuram in India’s Andhra Pradesh was once known for its armed robbers. Then the gospel changed them.

Preservation Grants Help Black Churches Hold On to Their History

Over a hundred congregations have received up to a half-million dollars to repair deteriorating buildings and restore their place in their communities.

Four Truths About God for Children Who Can’t Sleep

And for the grownups—that’s all of us—who never outgrow their need for his presence around the clock.

News

Two Years After October 7, Christians See Fruit amid the Suffering

Churches in Israel and Egypt provide food, aid, and a listening ear to those scarred by war.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube