When Dominican catcher Yermín Mercedes made his Major League Baseball debut for the Chicago White Sox, he impressed fans and team officials alike with his offensive production. He got at least one base hit in an MLB-record eight consecutive games. Unfortunately, his bat eventually cooled off. Mercedes then experienced an extended batting slump that resulted in a demotion to the minor league Charlotte Knights.

Mercedes took his fans by surprise when he abruptly announced his retirement from baseball after a Knights game on July 21st. That night, his Instagram post included the words “I’m stepping aside from baseball indefinitely…God bless you, it’s over.”

At the time, White Sox manager Tony La Russa affirmed Mercedes’ baseball ability, saying that “it could be he’s just feeling frustrated. ... I’ll try to explain to him he’s got a big-league future.”

It’s unclear if the call that made a difference was from La Russo, from Charlotte manager Wes Helms, or from someone else. But the next day, Mercedes showed up for work, posting the following apology:

My dream is to be an established player in the major leagues. I asked God to give me that opportunity and I got it 3 months ago. I owe myself to my family, my organization and my fans [to continue]. I asked again for forgiveness if I have failed them. Baseball is in my blood…and I thank God for guiding me to the right path and to make the correct decision. To those going to a similar situation, forget the criticisms and bad comments. They will always exist to trample on your personality.

Since the apology, Mercedes has continued to play well. On August 16th, he even went 5-for-5 from the plate, homering twice.

Possible Preaching Angle:

Reconsidering a decision and acting in humility have the potential to redeem and even turn around even the worst of circumstances. God's grace and power gives us access to strength outside of ourselves when we need it the most