Rick Fry serves as senior pastor of Burbank's Media City Church (MCC), which is part of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

For Pastor Rick, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ does not end at the pulpit. With three services every Sunday morning and one on Wednesday night, Pastor Rick has encouraged church members to take their faith to the local parks by playing on church-sponsored softball teams.

An avid (low handicap) golfer, Pastor Rick believes in building the total person - body, soul, and spirit. For him, athletics is just an extension of the Great Commission to preach the Gospel to the entire world.

MCC put two teams together for the city of Burbank's slow-pitch church league. The make up of the teams are as different as day and night - or as written in the Old Testament, "alpha and omega."

The Alpha team is made up of young players who are highly competitive and the 2006 champions of the church league. Omega, with many players considered Senior Saints, plays for the love of the game and an opportunity to get some exercise in.

At least once per season, the two teams share the diamond as they compete head-to-head. You may think Alpha would be sure winners, but ... ah, youth. The young players have so much going on they often struggle to field a complete team. If the young warriors are unable to field at least seven players, then the Omega team is guaranteed a victory (the forfeit is recorded as a 7-0 victory).

Such was the fate Omega suffered last week when they fell short of the required seven players. So once the umpire declared a forfeit, the opposing team "loaned" Omega some players and both teams played a relaxed game of softball.

Tonight would be a different story as both teams had enough players to compete. Omega was facing St. Nowhere, a team with a winning record. As the first inning opened up, everyone could see it would be a rough night for the Senior Saints.

The two teams, however, were there for more than simple competition; they were there to engage in the spirit of sportsmanship. This was evident in the fact that St. Nowhere did not attempt to run up the score. It was also displayed in a single player - Gabriel.

"Gabe" is a vital part of the Omega team and an individual of special needs. As Gabe approached the batter's box for his first at-bat of the evening, the umpire motioned for the pitcher to move closer, making it easier for Gabe to hit the ball.

After a count of four strikes and three balls, Gabe connected and ran to first base. The pitcher walked over to the ball and threw it toward first base, well in advance of Gabe's arrival. The throw was off the mark, allowing Gabe to reach base safely. Several batters later, Gabe crossed home plate to the cheers of fans on both sides.

Last year, Gabe had several "home runs" to his credit. As he made contact with the ball, fans would cheer him to first base. He would then be pointed toward second, by players on both sides. As he rounded third, you could see his concentration and focus. Fans would rise and cheer as he crossed the plate - homerun!

This is sportsmanship in its highest level. I would encourage you, as a fan, to make your way to George Izay Park on a Friday evening and watch the adult league. If you're a player who has faced Omega, on behalf of Gabe - thank you. Your actions are what make the game truly fun. There is nothing better than playing for the fun (and love) of the game.