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CHECK YOUR STANCE

Okay baseball fans, over the last five years, what National League baseball player's .375 batting average with runners in scoring position is second only to Tony Gywnn's?

He's the same person who trails only Jeff Bagwell in career on-base percentage (.412) among active players. ESPN the Magazine calls him "a batting title waiting to happen."

If your answer is Bobby Abreu of the Philadelphia Phillies, you are correct. In 1999, rightfielder Abreu finished third in National League batting average with .335. He also had 93 Runs Batted In and scored 118 runs.

If you have seen the 26-year-old rising star, you might recognize his stance and swing in the batter's box. It is nearly identical to 10 time all-star Roberto Alomar's, even down to the way Alomar paws at the dirt when he is in the box.

Abreu learned to imitate his hero's every move as a child growing up in Venezuela and learned to hit by studying Alomar's approach. The outfielder's imitation has made him a great hitter.When you watch Abreu for yourself you will be able to see Alomar plainly.

What influence do people see when they look at your life?Do they see the love of Jesus Christ?

The Bible says, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Have you been consciously seeking to imitate Jesus' example? Have you been looking at his life as revealed in the Bible? When you seek to follow the example of Christ people are going to see Jesus in you. Be an imitator of God and live a life of love.

Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

Christ my Coach,

Steve Teel