Baseball and the Bible

What does it truly mean to lead well, especially when the pressure is at its highest? In this episode, we explore a powerful lesson drawn from the diamond that cuts straight to the heart of how we treat the people around us. Using the example of a catcher who steadies a rattled pitcher not with anger or ego but with quiet, selfless calm, we are invited to think about what real leadership looks like. The devotion anchors itself in Philippians 2:3, which calls us away from selfish ambition and vain conceit and toward a posture of genuine humility that values...

What does it look like to rebuild after everything falls apart? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful themes in both baseball and the Christian life: the comeback. Drawing from Isaiah 40:31, we are reminded that those who hope in the Lord will have their strength renewed. The story of Shohei Ohtani returning from injury becomes a vivid picture of what perseverance looks like in practice. It is not always dramatic. Most of the real work happens quietly, in the moments no one is watching, in the repetition and the discipline and the simple choice to show...

What does it look like to give everything you have, even when no one is watching? This episode digs into one of baseball's most enduring legacies -- the relentless hustle of Pete Rose -- and draws a straight line from the diamond to our daily walk of faith. The anchor verse, 1 Corinthians 10:31, calls us to do everything for the glory of God, and that is not just a Sunday morning idea. It is a Monday morning, bottom-of-the-ninth, nobody-on-base idea. When we sprint to first on a weak ground ball, when we push through the ordinary moments with the same...

October baseball is here! ⚾ In this episode of Baseball & The Bible, we break down the 2026 MLB postseason picture, discuss the biggest matchups and players to watch, and look at the stars who led the league during the regular season.

We also talk about “quiet greatness”—players who consistently get the job done without always receiving the attention they deserve—and reflect on some memorable postseason moments from baseball history.

Who has what it takes to survive October and make a run at the World Series? Join us as we talk baseball, postseason...

What does it look like to truly prepare for the challenges ahead? In this episode, we explore a fascinating parallel between the disciplined study habits of MLB star J.D. Martinez and the biblical call to meditate on God's Word day and night. Joshua 1:8 reminds us that prosperity and success are not accidents -- they are the fruit of intentional, consistent engagement with Scripture. Just as Martinez rebuilt his entire swing by studying film with relentless focus, we are invited to rebuild our spiritual lives by anchoring ourselves in the Bible. The lesson is clear: flying blind never works...

What if the people standing closest to us are actually shaping the trajectory of our faith without us even realizing it? That is exactly the kind of question this episode invites us to sit with. Drawing from the life of Tommy Edman, we see how a young man who grew up in the church but drifted into a double-minded faith was transformed not through a dramatic moment, but through proximity to men who lived what they believed. Hebrews 13:7 calls us to remember those who have spoken God's word over us and to consider the outcome of their way of...

What does it truly mean to be a great teammate? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful transformations in baseball history, the story of David Ross, a backup catcher who went from being labeled a self-focused player to being hoisted on his teammates' shoulders after a World Series championship. The spiritual lesson woven through this story is rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where we are called to encourage one another and build each other up. Ross's journey challenges us to ask a hard question: are we so focused on our own position, our own spotlight, that we forget...

What does it look like to trust God when your dream falls short? This episode takes us on a journey through the story of Tim Tebow, one of the most decorated college football players in history, who walked away from the NFL and picked up a baseball bat with a boldness that most people dismissed as a publicity stunt. Yet he climbed all the way to AAA professional baseball, one step from the majors, before retiring. The central scripture anchoring this reflection is Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are reminded that trusting God with all our heart means releasing our...

What does it really mean to have joy that does not fade when the pressure mounts or the season gets long? In this episode, we explore one of baseball's most unlikely sources of spiritual inspiration: a journeyman outfielder whose laugh went viral and whose faith runs deeper than his batting average. Drawing from Nehemiah 8:10, which reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our very strength, we look at how genuine, rooted joy is not a personality trait we are born with but a fruit that grows out of a real relationship with God. Brett Phillips made a...

What happens when fear threatens to sideline us for good? In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of a pitcher who took a 100-mile-per-hour line drive to the face and somehow found the courage to return to the mound just five weeks later. His story becomes a powerful lens through which we examine one of Jesus's most direct challenges to our anxious hearts. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus poses a question that cuts right to the heart of our worry: can any of us add a single hour to our lives by worrying? The answer is obvious, and yet we...

What does it look like to step away from the noise and find God in the quiet? The story of Daniel Norris challenges us to reconsider what we truly value. A professional baseball player with a multi-million dollar signing bonus chose to park a decades-old camper van behind a Walmart and call it home. Not out of necessity, but out of conviction. Norris understood something that many of us spend years trying to learn: the simple things, the natural things, the created things, have a way of pointing us back to the One who made them. Psalm 19:1 reminds us...

What do you do when everything falls apart and the dream you worked your whole life for starts slipping through your fingers? That is the question at the heart of this episode, and it is one that goes far beyond baseball. We explore the remarkable story of a pitcher who, after years of inconsistency and being cut from multiple rosters, found himself at rock bottom. Rather than pushing harder on his own strength, he turned to a passage in 2 Corinthians 12 where the Apostle Paul describes a painful struggle he called a thorn, something God refused to remove, instead promising...

What does it look like to be unashamed of the gospel in a world that often rewards silence? This episode takes us straight to the heart of that question through the story of Gunnar Henderson, a young MLB star who refused to wait for permission to speak about his faith. From the moment he stepped into the big leagues, Gunnar made it clear that his identity was rooted in something far greater than baseball. When he won AL Rookie of the Year, he did not lead with his stats or his team. He led with Jesus. That kind of...

What happens when someone seems to have everything the world says should bring happiness, yet still feels completely empty inside? That is the question at the heart of this episode's devotion, drawn from the life of Darryl Strawberry. His story is a striking reminder that outward success, fame, and wealth cannot fill the void that only God can fill. Strawberry himself described sitting in a two-million-dollar home feeling bankrupt inside, and that raw honesty cuts straight to something we all need to hear. The passage from Isaiah serves as the spiritual anchor here, pointing us toward a God who...

The journey of resilience and perseverance takes center stage in this powerful message about never giving up, even when we face our darkest slumps. Through the story of Cody Bellinger's dramatic fall from MVP to struggling hitter and his remarkable comeback, we're reminded that failure doesn't have to define us. Proverbs 24:16 anchors this truth: the righteous may fall seven times, but they rise again. What makes this possible isn't superhuman strength or willpower—it's our willingness to depend on God through every struggle. Bellinger's story illustrates a profound spiritual principle: even when we've achieved success, there's always room for gr...

At the heart of this message lies a profound truth about gratitude in the midst of adversity. Through the story of baseball player Royce Lewis, we encounter a powerful example of maintaining joy and thankfulness even when circumstances seem devastating. Lewis faced not one but two ACL injuries just as his major league career was beginning, yet he chose to view these setbacks as pauses rather than endings. The scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. This isn't merely positive thinking—it's a spiritual discipline that transforms how we ex...

This episode reminds us of a profound truth that echoes throughout Scripture: we are all essential parts of one body. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:21, we explore how a rare triple play executed by the Atlanta Braves in 2023 perfectly illustrates God's design for teamwork and mutual dependence. Just as the eye cannot say to the hand 'I don't need you,' each player on that field had a specific role to fulfill. The center fielder made the catch, the first baseman completed the double-off, and the third baseman applied the final tag. No one tried to be the hero or take...

This episode beautifully weaves together America's favorite pastime with timeless biblical principles, reminding us that generosity is far more than writing checks or making donations. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:18 and the example of baseball legend Albert Pujols, we're challenged to reconsider what it truly means to live generously. Pujols didn't just dominate on the field with 3,384 hits—he made it clear that his legacy off the field mattered more. Through his foundation supporting people with Down syndrome and families in the Dominican Republic, he demonstrated that generosity flows from using whatever God has blessed us with to serve others. The wi...

This episode explores the tension between waiting and acting in our faith journey through the lens of baseball's greatest base stealer, Ricky Henderson. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:4, we're challenged to recognize when patience becomes paralysis and when boldness is required to step into God's calling. Henderson's record-breaking career of 1,406 stolen bases illustrates a powerful truth: sometimes we overthink our opportunities, waiting for perfect conditions that will never arrive. The devotion confronts us with an uncomfortable reality - we often disguise fear as wisdom, using patience and discipline as excuses to avoid the uncomfortable work of sharing our faith or stepping...

In a world that constantly pushes us toward instant gratification, we're reminded through the example of Juan Soto that true excellence requires patience and discipline working in harmony. The wisdom of Proverbs 14:29 comes alive as we watch a young baseball player who learned to swing at bottle caps with a broomstick, developing not just hand-eye coordination but something far more valuable: the ability to wait for the right moment. Soto's incredible walk record isn't about passivity; it's about knowing what to chase and what to let pass by. This same principle applies to our spiritual lives and daily decisions...

What does it truly mean to persevere in our dreams while maintaining faith through the darkest valleys? This powerful conversation explores the intersection of athletic pursuit and spiritual endurance, reminding us that our journey is never just about reaching a destination—it's about who we become along the way. We hear a remarkable story of someone who nearly walked away from their calling, facing financial struggles, family pressures, and years of setbacks, yet discovered that one more year of faithfulness could change everything. The central message echoes Psalm 42:11: 'Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Pu...

At the heart of this episode lies a powerful truth about where we place our hope. Through the story of Tyler Holton, a relief pitcher who faced setbacks and roster cuts, we discover what it means to anchor our lives in something unshakeable. The scripture from 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that true hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ—a living hope that transcends our circumstances. Holton's journey from being cut by the Diamondbacks to becoming a reliable arm for the Tigers illustrates how faith keeps us level-headed through life's valleys and mountains. His testimony reveals that when our ho...

In this powerful exploration of perseverance and faith, we journey through one of baseball's most improbable comebacks to discover profound spiritual truths about never giving up. The 2004 Boston Red Sox faced elimination, down three games to none against their rivals, when a single stolen base ignited a historic rally that would break an 86-year championship drought. This moment becomes our window into understanding 2 Chronicles 15:7, which reminds us that when we remain strong and refuse to give up, our work will be rewarded. The devotion challenges us to examine areas where we're putting in effort but not seeing results, whether...

This powerful conversation takes us through an extraordinary journey of faith, resilience, and divine purpose that challenges everything we think we know about God's plans for our lives. At the heart of this testimony is the profound truth found in Jeremiah 29:11 - that God has plans for us, plans not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. What makes this message so compelling is how it unfolds through a devastating boating accident that could have ended a promising baseball career and life itself. Instead, we witness how God orchestrates miracles through seemingly random circumstances...

In this powerful conversation about faith and baseball, we discover the profound truth that our goals and ambitions must be rooted in something greater than ourselves. The discussion reveals how writing down our goals and declaring them boldly isn't just positive thinking—it's an act of faith that aligns our will with God's purpose for our lives. We see how the simple phrase 'be great' can become a daily reminder that excellence isn't about personal glory, but about honoring the gifts God has given us. The testimony shared demonstrates that true greatness comes through loving the process, embracing the un...

In a world that constantly measures our worth by performance and achievement, we find ourselves on an exhausting roller coaster of self-validation. Through the lens of baseball and the example of Paul Goldschmidt, we're challenged to examine where we truly root our identity. Titus 3:5 reminds us of a profound truth: God saved us not because of our righteous deeds, but because of His mercy. This isn't just theological theory; it's a life-changing reality that frees us from the tyranny of performance-based worth. When we anchor our identity in Christ rather than our accomplishments, we discover a stability that transcends...

The conclusion of 2 Samuel presents us with powerful truths about leadership, consequences, and repentance that resonate deeply in our modern lives. As we journey through these final chapters, we encounter David's continued struggles with the fallout from past decisions—both his own and those of King Saul before him. The three-year famine that opens chapter 21 reminds us that leadership carries weight far beyond a single moment or decision. We see how one leader's choices can affect generations, yet we also witness David's heart of worship in chapter 22, where he declares 'The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my de...

This powerful reflection weaves together two seemingly different stories - Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking courage in baseball and King David's devastating moral failure - to teach us profound truths about character, consequences, and redemption. We celebrate Jackie Robinson not just as a trailblazer who broke the color barrier, but as someone who possessed both exceptional talent and extraordinary mental fortitude. His ability to excel under immense pressure reminds us that true leadership requires both skill and character. 

This episode beautifully weaves together the excitement of baseball's opening weeks with the profound lessons found in 2 Samuel chapters 1-10. Just as we witness young players like Jordan Walker and Konnor Griffin stepping into their destined roles in baseball, we explore how God raised David to kingship in His perfect timing, not David's own. The journey wasn't smooth—David faced years of running from Saul, warfare with rival factions, and constant battles even after his anointing. Yet through it all, he remained humble, honored God's sovereignty, and inquired of the Lord before making major decisions. The key verse reminds us...

The Easter message reminds us that what looks like the end is never truly the end when God is involved. In Matthew 28:1-7, we encounter the powerful declaration: 'He is not here. He has risen, just as he said.' This statement transforms everything we thought we knew about finality and defeat. When the women arrived at the tomb expecting to find death, they instead discovered victory. This same pattern plays out in our lives today. Whether we're facing disappointment in our personal pursuits, struggling with setbacks that feel insurmountable, or wrestling with situations that appear hopeless, the resurrection...

This Palm Sunday reflection invites us to witness one of history's most profound moments of misunderstanding and hope. As we journey through the Gospel accounts in Matthew, Luke, and John, we discover Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey—not as the conquering warrior many expected, but as a humble king fulfilling ancient prophecy from Zechariah. The crowds shouted 'Hosanna,' celebrating what they believed was the arrival of their earthly liberator, yet within days those same voices would cry 'Crucify him.' This dramatic reversal challenges us to examine our own expectations of God. How often do we, li...

The story of David and Saul in 1 Samuel chapters 24-31 presents us with a powerful study in restraint, mercy, and trusting God's timing. We witness David facing not one, but multiple opportunities to seize the throne by force—to take matters into his own hands and eliminate the threat that Saul posed to his life. Yet in each instance, David chose a different path. He refused to harm 'the Lord's anointed,' even when his own men urged him to act, even when it would have been justified by human standards. This remarkable restraint teaches us that God's timing is...

In this powerful exploration of 1 Samuel chapters 16-23, we encounter one of Scripture's most compelling truths: God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. As we journey through David's anointing and his confrontation with Goliath, we're reminded that the same God who empowered a shepherd boy to defeat a giant stands with us in our own battles. The discussion beautifully weaves together themes of divine protection, true friendship, and leadership development through adversity. David's time as a fugitive wasn't wasted—it was preparation. While Saul searched for David day after day, God never gave David into his hands, demonstrating th...

This episode takes us on a powerful journey through 1 Samuel chapters 8-15, where we witness Israel's pivotal transition from judges to kings and learn timeless lessons about obedience and the condition of our hearts. The central message revolves around a truth that echoes through the ages: God values our heart more than our outward appearances, our words, or even our sacrifices. We see this play out dramatically in Saul's story, where initial promise gives way to tragic disobedience. The famous declaration that to obey is better than sacrifice challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we simply going...

In this exploration of 1 Samuel chapters 1-7, we encounter powerful themes of faithfulness, obedience, and God's sovereignty that speak directly to our modern lives. Hannah's story opens our hearts to the beauty of keeping promises to God, even when it costs us dearly. She desperately wanted a child, prayed earnestly for one, and when God answered, she kept her vow to dedicate Samuel to the Lord's service. This challenges us to consider our own commitments to God. Do we follow through when He answers our prayers, or do we conveniently forget what we promised? The contrast between Samuel's faithful...

In this powerful reflection on spiritual vigilance, we're reminded that protecting our hearts is much like a catcher guarding home plate—it requires constant attention and intentionality. Drawing from Proverbs 4:23, 'Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,' we explore how the influences we allow into our lives—through music, media, friendships, and entertainment—shape who we become. Just as legendary catcher Yadier Molina stayed alert to every threat on the field, throwing out nearly half the runners who attempted to steal, we must remain watchful over what tries to 'steal' our spiritual focus...

In a world that constantly demands our attention and celebrates self-promotion, this episode challenges us to embrace a radically different approach to life—one captured perfectly in John 3:30: 'He must become greater, I must become less.' Through the story of Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, who uses his walk-up song 'I Am Second' by Newsboys, we're reminded that every platform we have—whether it's a baseball stadium, social media, or everyday conversations—is an opportunity to point others toward Jesus. The pressure to gain followers, be the center of attention, and compete for approval can be exhausting. But when we shi...

What does it truly mean to put the team before ourselves? In this exploration of selfless service, we encounter the remarkable story of Mookie Betts, a baseball superstar who willingly stepped away from his mastered position in right field to play shortstop for the good of his team. Despite winning six Gold Gloves and establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in baseball, Mookie embraced the challenge without complaint when his team needed him elsewhere. This powerful example mirrors the life of Jesus, who being King of Kings never demanded special treatment but instead served those around...

In this powerful exploration of grace and human imperfection, we're reminded through Romans 3:23 that none of us 'bat a thousand' in life. Just as Bobby Witt Jr., one of baseball's brightest young stars, only gets a hit about one out of every three at-bats despite his incredible talent, we too fall short of perfection in our spiritual walk. This isn't a message of defeat, but rather one of profound freedom. The devotion challenges us to release the crushing weight of perfectionism and embrace the liberating truth that Jesus meets us exactly where we are. He doesn't demand flawless performance...

What does it mean to steward the gifts God has given us? This conversation invites us into a powerful reflection on responsibility and purpose through the lens of Aaron Judge's remarkable platform. Drawing from Luke 12:48, we're reminded that 'from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.' This isn't just about athletic prowess or fame—it's about recognizing that every talent, every opportunity, every sphere of influence we possess comes with divine expectation. Judge's decision to display his favorite Bible verse on his bat at the All-Star Game exemplifies what it looks like to use our pl...