How These 3 World Series Stars Let Christ Shine Through Them
Published: November 4, 2024
By Movieguide® Contributor
First of all, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the delightful juxtaposition of sports and spirituality. It appears that the only thing soaring higher than these athletes’ batting averages is their faith. And when you’ve got MLB stars discussing a higher power, you know it’s not just their batting averages that are divine!
CBN Sports recently *grilled* some star players from the World Series about the role of faith in their lives. We have the delightful Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who kicked off this miracle season feeling less like a night at the ballpark and more like a long trip to the infirmary. “I started the year on the injured list,” he exclaimed, and let’s be honest, “that’s not exactly the start any athlete dreams of.”
But hold your applause! It turns out that Edman’s faith was the real MVP. He states, “Having my faith guiding me along the way – God had a plan.” No pressure, Tommy. Just a divine plan that intertwines with your batting practice and rehab sessions. But hey, who knew faith could roomie with physiotherapy? He found peace during injury and uncertainty. If only the rest of us had such a calming presence during dental check-ups!
Next up to the heavenly plate is Trent Grisham from the New York Yankees. If you thought his baptism transformed him into an all-star on the field, wait until you hear his outlook! Having found Christ last year, he gushed about how he was feeling lost before he decided to put his life up for divine auction. “God is good,” he states, “and He redeems in very obvious ways sometimes.”
I mean, what a revelation! Being a professional athlete is one thing, but being “blessed” to be there is the cherry on top. It’s like being at a buffet and realizing dessert is included. But let’s face it, nothing says *team spirit* quite like giving your heart to a higher power while keeping the faith—mostly that you don’t strike out during the Finals!
And lo and behold, we cannot forget Michael Kopech, the Dodgers pitcher who spoke of his spiritual journey. “The journey I have been on…the ups and downs, the pain I have felt, the pain I have caused, and the growth from those moments of pain have been transformative.” That sounds like the college years I know, with a touch more prayer and a hint of responsibility!
As someone who’s occasionally convinced that the wash, rinse, repeat cycle of life can feel like a religious experience, I can empathize with the struggles of growth—even if my ‘pain’ involves spilled cereal rather than existential crises. But hey, if Christ can help him hurl a 95 mph fastball, who are we to question it?
So, what can we take from these profound testimonies? Well, if your faith can transform you from a batting bench-warmer to a World Series champion, perhaps there’s hope for the rest of us who still can’t throw a game of darts without it feeling like an Olympic event.
In conclusion, whether it’s the power of prayer or simply the comfort of a sports jersey, these guys remind us that life’s challenges can often be tackled with a little faith, reflection, and yes, maybe even a game-winning home run. Take notes, because if being in the World Series is anything like life, it’s about how we step up to the plate—both off and on the field!
Published: November 4, 2024
Photo from Tommy Edman’s Instagram
How These 3 World Series Stars Let Christ Shine Through Them
By Movieguide® Contributor
In an inspiring feature, CBN Sports posed questions to various MLB players participating in the World Series about the significance of their faith in their lives and careers.
Tommy Edman, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, shared that his faith played an essential role this year, especially since he began the season uncertain about his playing status due to an injury. “I started the year on the injured list, and I didn’t necessarily know when I was going to be able to play this year,” Edman expressed earnestly. “But having my faith guiding me along the way – God had a plan for my season. Looking back now, it was challenging to comprehend what that plan was at the time. Still, being grounded in my faith provided me peace and calm amid uncertainty. I have this innate sense of peace regardless of the outcome, and I truly believe that helped me persevere through all the challenges.”
New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham revealed that he embraced Christianity just last year, sharing how it has significantly changed his life. “Baseball has impacted my life profoundly, and I have placed so much value on it,” he began. “During difficult times, I struggled and felt lost. It wasn’t until I decided to give my life to Christ that everything began to change for me. I was baptized for the first time on December 10 of last year. God is truly good, and His redemptive power can sometimes be evident in remarkable ways. It’s a tremendous blessing to be here today.”
To Dodgers pitcher Michael Kopech, the impact of faith on his World Series journey was a thought-provoking topic. “The journey I have been on spiritually, involving my family, has had its share of ups and downs. The pain I have experienced and the pain I have caused others have fostered immense personal growth,” he articulated. “Christ is my redeemer, and every success I have achieved is rooted in this belief.”
### Interview with Tommy Edman, Trent Grisham, and Michael Kopech on Faith and Baseball
**Editor:** Thank you all for joining us today! It’s refreshing to hear how faith intertwines with your careers as professional athletes. Let’s dive into it!
**Tommy Edman:** Thanks for having us! It’s great to share our journey.
**Editor:** Tommy, you faced challenges at the start of the season. Can you tell us how your faith helped you during your injury?
**Tommy Edman:** Absolutely. Starting the season on the injured list was tough. But I leaned heavily on my faith. I felt that God had a plan for me, and that gave me peace during those uncertain times. It was more than just getting back on the field; it was about trusting the process.
**Editor:** That’s profound, Tommy. Trent, you’ve talked about how finding Christ has changed your perspective as an athlete. Can you expand on that?
**Trent Grisham:** For sure! It’s like my whole approach has shifted. Before finding Christ, I felt lost, like I was chasing something without purpose. Now, I see my involvement in baseball as a blessing. I truly believe that with faith, you can overcome the pressures and stresses that come with being in the spotlight.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that perspective, Trent. Michael, you’ve mentioned the transformative power of pain and growth. How has this shaped your journey?
**Michael Kopech:** Definitely. My past experiences, both good and bad, have taught me so much. It’s been a journey of healing and growth. Faith has been a guiding light through it all. It reminds me that both joy and suffering can lead to transformation, and I try to carry that into every game I pitch.
**Editor:** You all share a theme of finding strength and purpose through faith. As the World Series approaches, how do you balance your spiritual beliefs with the demands of the game?
**Tommy Edman:** For me, it’s about creating a routine—time for prayer and reflection, especially before games. It keeps me grounded, knowing that while I play at a high level, there’s something greater than just baseball.
**Trent Grisham:** I agree. I try not to let the pressure get to me. When I remind myself of why I’m playing and what I believe in, it helps me stay calm and focused.
**Michael Kopech:** Exactly! It’s easy to get swept away in the moment, but faith helps me keep perspective. Whether I win or lose, I know I’m playing for a higher purpose.
**Editor:** Such valuable insights. As we close, what message would you like to share with fans about the role of faith in sports?
**Tommy Edman:** I’d say to keep the faith in whatever challenges you face, on or off the field. It’s transformative.
**Trent Grisham:** Always look for the good, even in tough times. There’s always something to be learned or gained.
**Michael Kopech:** And remember, every game is about more than just the final score. Embrace the journey and the lessons along the way.
**Editor:** Thank you all for sharing your experiences and insights. Your stories are a true testament to the power of faith in sports and life!
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**Published: November 4, 2024**
*Photo credits: Tommy Edman’s Instagram*
*Article based on the insights from CBN Sports and the uplifting experiences shared by these athletes.*
