Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

When we want to change the subject in a conversation in our family, we often use the phrase, “How do you think the Angels are going to do this year”?  This is a little “code” to help us steer the conversation in a new direction when things get a little testy or out of hand.

However, in this case, I really am talking about the Angels.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  The baseball team that plays down at the “Big A” off the 57 freeway.

I suppose every competitive sports team starts off the season with high hopes and great expectations.  I’m sure that is true of the owner, the manager, the coaches and the players.

A few years ago, the Angels made the playoffs almost every year.  They were expected to win and usually did.  But, recently, the team has not done as well and many fans are disappointed and discouraged.

There will be no playoffs for the Angels this year.  They are about 20 games out of first place.  There are not enough games left to catch up.  Even if the first place team lost all of the rest of their games and even if the Angels won all the rest of their games, I don’t think the Angels could make the playoffs this year.

However, the other baseball team in Los Angeles is doing pretty well.  In fact, they are currently in first place in their division with San Francisco right behind them.  Go Dodgers!  So how do Angel’s fans deal with this situation?  How should we react to another losing season?

First, we should avoid conversations with Dodger fans.  Fans of winning teams love to ask the fans of other local teams, “How are the Angels doing this year?”   They already know the answer, but they love to rub it in a little.

Second, think about Spring Training.  Baseball will begin again next February.  There is a good chance the Angels will do better next year and they may even make the playoffs in 2017.  Don’t focus on the past, look toward the future!

Third, you may want to buy tickets for next season now.  Since ticket sales have been down this year and since attendance has fallen, you may be able to pick up some season tickets at a deep discount.  It is kind of like the stock market – buy low and sell high!

Finally, never give up hope.  Be loyal to your team – rain or shine, win or lose.  That is what true fans do.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.