Few Athletes Enjoy

FEW ATHLETES ENJOY the opportunity to perform in the same championship event as their father. In the 2002 College World Series, University of Texas pitcher Huston Street and his dad shared a Father’s Day memory.

Huston’s father, James Street, knew the journey to Omaha, Nebraska, well. Although more recognized for quarterbacking the Longhorns to a national collegiate football championship in 1969, he also pitched for Texas in two College World Series.

With eight teams vying for the collegiate baseball title, the competition proved stiff. In UT’s first three games, the Longhorns held one-run leads in the late innings. Each time, Texas coach Augie Garrido called Huston from the bull pen to snuff out the opposition. And every time, the freshman saved the game. During each appearance, television cameras panned between the younger man on the mound and his father in the stands.

In the final game, UT led South Carolina 8–4 in the eighth. With two Gamecocks on base and one out, Garrido summoned Street for the fourth time. A fielder’s choice produced an out and two runs. Then Huston struck out Yaron Peters to end the threat. Texas scored four insurance runs in the ninth, and Street closed the 12–6 win by getting a double-play ball and forcing a groundout.

The victory brought the Longhorns their fifth baseball national championship and Street the College World Series MVP award. Huston pitched 6.1 innings, allowed one run on two hits, struck out five, and notched four saves—the most ever in NCAA playoff history. His proud papa witnessed every pitch.

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POINT Reporters could hardly wait to interview the family. James expressed more excitement over his son’s accomplishments than over his own. Huston’s answers showed that he admired his father. When asked about following in his dad’s footsteps, the son replied, “I don’t know if I’ll ever have bragging rights with my dad. Everything I am is because my dad taught it to me.”

The Bible’s New Testament tells the story of a father and a son. God the Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. Jesus displayed the power and love of the heavenly Father. But Jesus also had an earthly father, Joseph, who loved and guided him too.

GOAL! This Father’s Day, write a thank-you note to your dad or a father figure in your life. Thank God for your earthly father, and then praise your heavenly Father.