We’ve all seen teams in Major League Baseball hold LBGT events during season games for years now, but what we’ve never ever witnessed with our own eyes is a “Faith Night.” That is, until now. The Baltimore Orioles have put on just such a celebration, making it the first of its kind. How sad is it that when an event like this is put on it’s so shocking it leaves our jaws on the floor? Once upon a time, the vast majority of the United States identified as followers of Christ, but that no longer seems to be the case. Our culture has grown ever more hostile toward the gospel and it’s likely going to get worse.
But for now, let’s take the win, shall we?
Six Orioles players shared their testimonies concerning their faith in Jesus Christ as part of the promotion of the team’s Faith Night event, with many of those on the roster saying it’s the “most faithful team” they have ever played for. Man, if that doesn’t fire you up for Jesus, what will? So cool to see professional athletes be totally unashamed of the gospel of Christ.
Here’s more on this from The Christian Post:
Starting pitcher Trevor Rogers, who was traded to the reigning American League East champions on July 30 just before the trade deadline from the Miami Marlins, wasn’t afraid to share about his journey despite a tough outing on the mound in his first home start with a new team.
“The timing — the first Faith Night, my first start in Baltimore, that’s God [working] right there,” Rogers said, according to a report released by The Baltimore Sun.
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“To be around such a good group of guys, such good Christian guys … this is really fun, and I’m so happy to be here in Baltimore,” Rogers added.
Thousands stayed after the game for the faith-based event, which included a time of worship and praise with a live performance by Reach Worship from the nondenominational Reach Church in Newark, Delaware. The worship team sang a set, including well-known Christian songs such as “Mighty to Save” and “Till I Met You,” according to The Sun. Orioles broadcaster Rob Long, a popular Baltimore sports radio personality, said he was glad to participate in the event.
“Let’s give the Orioles organization a hand for having the courage to put this on tonight,” Long went on to say according to The Sun. Believe it or not, a post on MLB.Com describes the event and says that “faith plays a big role in the Orioles clubhouse” and points out that players “always make time for chapel” even with six or seven games being played per week.
“Usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, it presents a time where they can come together, away from baseball, to connect with one another, pray, and hear God’s word,” the event page explains. “It presents an opportunity for Orioles players, and baseball players across the league, to have open and vulnerable conversations about their faith and what matters most to them. Orioles players want to share the experience with others.”
Catcher James McCann told The Sun that as many as 15 players attend the Sunday chapel services. Infielder Jordan Westburg, a first-year player who was selected as an All-Star this season but was hit by a pitch in the hand a few weeks ago, said he’s “never been in a clubhouse with so many players who love Jesus Christ and follow him every single day.” Westburg said that he plays “for the glory of God,” which gives him a sense of security in a sport where batters fail more often than they succeed.
The Christian Post said, “First baseman and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, a 31-year-old veteran on a primarily young Orioles squad, spoke of the common experience faced by many athletes who have anxiety about what will be next for themselves as they grow older in age and fears about aging out of the game as professional sports players.”
O’Hearn then shared a passage of Scripture that he often uses whenever he’s feeling anxious. The verse he read is 1 Peter 5:7 and it says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Gunnar Henderson, 23, from the state of Alabama, revealed he’s a daily Bible reader while chatting with The Sun during an interview before the game. Henderson said he’s now trying to read chapter of the New Testament every day.
Hopefully the example set by these players in practicing their faith with regularity will spread beyond the field and will inspire those attending the games to investigate the Christian faith for themselves. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Faith Nights popping up all over the MLB and have a good old fashioned revival?