 By Gari Meacham Joe and Kim Girardi As the Girardis look toward a new year and a new 2-year contract with the Yankees, their vision adjusts toward what's ahead. "I love baseball, and I love the people," says Joe. "But more than the game, I now hope to have an impact on other players. I want to show them God's grace, mercy, and love. Someday I'd also like to share my knowledge of the game with young players coming up. I'd like to teach them catching skills and encourage them in whatever way I can." An athlete's wife is the ultimate fan for her husband, supporting in the quiet moments of disappointment and cheering when no other voice can be heard. Kim Girardi knows that Joe's career and direction affects her life in every detail. "God has made it clear to me that when we are done playing," she says. "I want people to remember that I loved my husband, loved other wives, and was able to enjoy my part in the game. A lot of women struggle with that-knowing their part in the game. I want to enjoy it, and I pray to give others a taste of Jesus." In a year filled with the cheers and fanfare that accompany a World Series victory, it might be tempting to assume that winning has produced the joy so evident in the Girardis. "People think that winning the World Series had the impact," says Joe. "It is so much more than that. We are overwhelmed with God's goodness. I'm reminded of that every day. The World Series is now just on tape; God's reality is a daily event." New seasons hold new meaning, but the season of 1996 will not soon be forgotten-the friendships, the drama, the heart-to-heart talks that lasted well into the night. The Girardis are living out sports' finest hour. But what matters to them is the content of their lives, not the fanfare that surrounds them. "When it's all said and done, it's how we love that matters," says Kim. With hope and anticipation the Girardis look toward what's ahead in New York. The fear of the spring of 1996 has been replaced with a quiet confidence that can't be mistaken. Joe again looks at his wife and smiles. Even Frank Sinatra can't put words to that smile. It's a smile that tells their story. New York Times Freelance writer Gari Meacham lives in Littleton, Colorado. © 1997 RBC Ministries--Grand Rapids, MI 49555 |
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