 By Gari Meacham Start spreadin' the news. I'm leaving today. I wanna be a part of it- New York, New York FAMILIAR WORDS to a Frank Sinatra song became reality for Joe and Kim Girardi on a November day in 1996. After 3 years behind the plate for the Colorado Rockies, Girardi left the Mile-High City in a trade that sent him east to don the Yankee pinstripes. The Girardis had no idea what was ahead, but with excitement and a bit of anxiety they changed the message on their answering machine to greet callers with, "It's up to you, New York, New York." "I was in a comfort zone in Colorado," says Girardi. "Getting traded was a faith-builder, and as the season progressed I began to see what God was doing in our lives." As Joe speaks, he looks at wife Kim and smiles, knowing that she has shared equally in his joy and his pain. For this Chicago-based couple, baseball, trades, and even winning the World Series all run a distant second to the highest goals of their lives: loving God and loving each other. But it's not been easy. The daily pressure of performing at Yankee Stadium has done in many players. Plus there were other distractions: media pressures, labor disputes, adjusting to life in a new, unfamiliar city. Beyond the flashes of glamour that come mixed with the challenges lay the hearts of a major league ballplayer and his wife, as they struggle to remember and maintain what's important. "Sometimes we look back at the events of our career and marriage, and we are amazed at God's goodness and mercy," says Kim. "He has brought us a long way." Kim and Joe met at Northwestern University. Kim was active in her sorority, and Joe was pursuing a degree in engineering-as well as a post behind the plate for the Wildcats' baseball team. "I remember when I first met Kim," says Joe. "I told my friends 'That's it; she's the one I want to marry!' She brought laughter and excitement into my life. She was a Christian and had a joy that I didn't understand." After his senior year in college, Joe entered professional baseball's giant funnel-the minor leagues, hoping to fulfill his lifelong dream behind the plate in the majors. But every field of dreams has its nightmares. Joe found himself in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, playing Single A ball for the Chicago Cubs. He was away from Kim, family, and friends. Driven by a haunting sadness, Joe struggled with the death of his mom, who had passed away during his sophomore year of college. "I felt like I was playing to keep her alive," says Joe. "I knew she was dead, but I played to keep the memory of her going. Finally, I broke down." Joe quit the team and returned home to a safe place and to a person he trusted-his girlfriend Kim. When Joe returned to Northwestern to see Kim, she introduced him to Someone else who could help him. "We were sitting in the basement of the Tri Delta sorority house," recalls Joe. "Kim explained salvation to me, and I silently prayed to receive Jesus as my Savior." With new hope, Joe returned to his minor-league team to finish the season. Although he experienced some frustrating and lonely times, one year later he was suiting up for opening day with the Chicago Cubs. The beginning of a new season always holds meaning for rookies who are freshly initiated into the brotherhood of baseball, but opening day 1989 was exceptional for Joe and Kim. "I asked Kim to marry me on opening night," says Joe. "We were in a restaurant after the game, and the waiter brought the ring out on a platter." Kim decided it was an appetizing dish and accepted the proposal. Eight months later Kim and Joe were married, launching together into the flurry of professional sports. For most couples the excitement of the pros is just part of the package, but building a strong marriage in that demanding environment can be a greater challenge than batting .400. "My feelings have changed over the years," says Kim. "I used to be very goal-oriented. I wanted to do everything when we first got married. I was teaching, earned a masters degree, and tried to keep up with Joe's schedule. When we went to Colorado in 1993, I wanted to fully support Joe. I realized that God had given us an opportunity, and I wanted to share it completely in the good and bad times. It was hard to let go of doing so much and enjoy just being with my husband, but I know it helped our marriage." Although the athlete is the one applauded, a loving wife has an impact that box scores can't reveal. "Kim's role in my career is vital," says Joe. "I couldn't survive without her. She keeps things running at home, which allows me to focus on my job. But what I appreciate most is our heart-to-heart talks. Sometimes I call her Knute Rockne. She knows how to help me out of my funks."
© 1997 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555 - Continue article - |
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