Opinion : Wisdom, faith, humility and the World Series wisdom of Casey Stengel

Today’s World Series Week column is a lesson in humility, faith and wisdom. Or more specifically, the wisdom of humble faith.

First, the words of wisdom: "If we're going to win the pennant, we've got to start thinking we're not as smart as we think we are."

In the spring of 1953 – after four straight World Championships with the New York Yankees – something that manager Casey Stengel saw in his team of superstars inspired one of his most startling strange phrases – and he uttered many of those uniquely entertaining Stengelism.

What he was saying in his well-known way with words was that his superstar players needed to realize that even four-time champions have room for improvement.

Imagine the manager of Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizutto, and Hank Bauer telling them that they ain’t as smart as they claim to be. That’s what Stengel said, in his own unique way.

Stengel was right, on so many levels.

Knowing that no matter how successful we have been, we need help, is a great place to start. Stengel was smart enough to know that even with four consecutive World Series championships, there is room for improvement; he knew the challenges of the 1953 season would demand even more from his players and his team.

He demanded it; they delivered.

The ‘53 Yankees won it all – again. They won 39 of their first 50 games and defeated Brooklyn in the World Series. No manager has equaled Casey Stengel’s feat in the past 49 years; nobody else has led his team to five straight World Series championships.

I have a friend at church who likes to pray, “Lord make us better at this than we really are.”

I don’t know if Casey Stengel prayed like that, but he sure knew the need for self-evaluation and not settling for only four straight World Series rings.

So, my fellow baseball fans, I urge you this week to remember Casey Stengel, and Mike’s prayer. As yourself if you really are as smart as you think you are, and ask God to give you abilities beyond your own power.