Audience of one: Several Dodger players keep God first after winning World Series

Many baseball fans are calling the recent World Series in which the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays one of the most exciting ever. However, even after winning back-to-back championships, several Dodger players say their faith is far more important than success on the field.

Mookie Betts (shortstop) was instrumental in the Dodgers’ two victories in Toronto, driving in two runs in Game 6 and turning a series-ending double play in Game 7. Betts moved to shortstop during the offseason after primarily playing the outfield and second base.

Asked by CBN Sports to reflect on God’s grace in his life, Betts said, “It’s huge. I mean, just for me — me moving to short and then praying a lot of prayers and wanting to be a successful shortstop, right? – especially in his image.”

Betts wore a wristband that read, “God is greater than the highs and lows.”

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Clayton Kershaw (pitcher) made only one appearance in the World Series, but it proved to be significant. With the bases loaded in a tie game during Game 3, Kershaw entered in the 12th inning to record a groundout and end the Toronto threat. The Dodgers went on to win that game in 18 innings. It was the final season for Kershaw who announced his retirement during the offseason. Kershaw is one of the more outspoken Christians in the majors and cited his favorite Bible verses during the press conference when he announced his future plans.

“My last thing is my favorite Bible verse,” he said. “It’s ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as you’re working for the Lord, not for men.’ It’s Colossians. And that’s what I’ve tried to do. Just work at it. Just work at it and love it.”

Tommy Edman (outfielder) drove in a run on a sacrifice fly during Game 7’s 5-4 victory and finished with eight RBIs and two home runs during this year’s postseason.

“Having your identity in your faith and in who you are, and with Jesus, is way more important than your success on the baseball field,” he told the Sports Spectrum podcast in 2023. “What it really means to be all in for Jesus is it’s something that can definitely transform you.”

Blake Treinen (relief pitcher) recorded a save in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against Milwaukee and was critical during the Dodgers’ stretch run in August, tallying 14 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA. He often uses Christian music for his walkout songs and also speaks at the Dodgers faith and family events.

“Our job is to humble our hearts and admit we are sinners in need of a savior, and that Jesus paid for it on the cross,” Treinen said, according to Sports Spectrum.

Alex Call (outfielder) joined the Dodgers last summer and saw limited plate action during the postseason, batting .364 during a largely pinch-hitting role in seven games, including three World Series appearances. He hit .267 with 31 RBIs during the regular season.

“I think that you can actually perform at your highest when you’re fully surrendered, when you’re fully present in the moment,” he told the Sports Spectrum podcast last year. “I think having a relationship with Christ actually allows you to get to that place where it’s like, all right, I know I’ve done the work. Now I’m just going to give it to you.”

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

Photo: Erik Drost | wikimediacommons