And God said, “Tee It Up!”
Recently, St. Luke’s Parish hosted Seattle author Gary Graf for a book signing event after the weekend’s masses. A friend of Father Bob’s, and a soon to be three-time guest on Father’s radio show, Gary has written three entertaining books that explore the surprising connections that Scripture and sports share.
And God Said, “Play Ball!” takes a look at the parallels between the Good Book and the great game of baseball, with stories from the Book of Ruth and the Book of Babe Ruth, Joseph of Egypt and Joseph of DiMaggio, Moses and Aaron (Hank Aaron that is), Yogi Berra, Jesus and more. Larry Stone, baseball writer for the Seattle Times, called Play Ball “…a near miracle—an entirely fresh perspective on baseball, accomplished with wit and insight. The parallels between baseball and the Bible are fascinating.” And Father Bob has said, “Gary binds together religion and baseball as tightly as a baseball is wrapped with string and leather. He uses cogent baseball stories and stats to show how the great theological virtues of faith, hope and love can be found in a dugout, on a ball field of in the stands.”
And God Said, “It’s Good!” explores how on any given Sunday we can all be brought closer to God and the gridiron, faith and football. Gary relates engaging stories about Hail Mary passes, immaculate receptions, stories of the Saints (both those wearing helmets and those adorned with haloes) and more. Said the Catholic Northwest Progress, “A fun-loving book…Graf gets great yardage tossing parallels between the Good Book and the play book.”
Gary’s newest book— And God Said, “Tee It Up!” —explores the mystical connections that faith and fairways share. Both have a St. Andrew, Church Pews, the Pulpit, descriptions of hell (whether deep bunkers or everlasting fire). Golf speaks of Amen Corner and the Valley of Sin and the Bible refers to Bethpage (Bethphage) the site of this year’s U.S. Open, not to mention woods, or at least branches. Famous players, courses, holes and championships are discussed all with an eye toward the sport and the Spirit. You’ll find there’s a lot to be learned about Claret jugs and cups of wine, 6th holes and the 6th Psalm, hazards of play and the forgiveness of sins.
When not writing books, Gary is an advertising copywriter. He’s a graduate of the University of Washington, the father of two collegians, and a member of St. Anne’s parish where he serves on the Faith Formation Committee.
