Article November 2, 2020 Issue

Put the Golden Rule in play

Bruce Butterfield

For years I’ve enjoyed playing baseball in a men’s league. But one year, when the first game of a new season arrived, I noticed that a number of my teammates were hesitant to talk to me. Then I overheard a small group refer to me as a bit too old to be playing in that division. I was liked but seen as incapable of playing competitively because of the age factor.

At first I felt disheartened and bitter at being left out and labeled as not strong, talented, or able enough because of age. I struggled on the field and played very little for several games.

Then, wham! I realized I was not being mentally inclusive toward my teammates, either. I wasn’t feeling grateful for their presence and for the joy they exuded in playing the game we all loved. I was classifying them as brash, unjust, and shortsighted. I was limiting and labeling them!

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