Pitcher Luke Weaver of the Kansas City Royals, who was acquired in a recent trade, wears his faith on his glove. His self-designed “Bible glove”, which resembles the binding of an old leather Bible, features several verses and other biblical symbols.
“It’s just a way where I want to be able to show the world that in the midst of that battle and the competition and the personality and expression, this is what I choose to do,” the 28-year-old righthander told “Sports Spectrum.” “In doing this, I hope more kids can wear a glove like I’m wearing and to wear it in their travel ball and their Little Leagues and their high schools and their colleges, to one day just be like, ‘Hey, I’m using a glove that helps me play this game, but I’m also expressing who I am and I love every second of it.’ If someone wants to ask about it, guess what? Now we get to talk about it.”
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The glove features a cross, a crown of thorns, the phrase “His Glory,” and three Bible verses: Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength;” Matthew 19:26, which states, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible;” and I Corinthians 16:13, which reads, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
On its website, the manufacturer quotes Weaver as saying, “The nicest leather I’ve ever used.” The glove’s description reads: “A leather-bound Bible with intricate detailing down the index/spine, gold lettered “His Glory” stamping, and verses to keep you motivated during the game knowing He is behind you. This is a big league game ready model, co-designed and used by pro baseball player and first-round draft pick, Luke Weaver.”
In an earlier podcast, Weaver talked about the pressure that comes with pitching in the major leagues.
“I don’t care who you are, if you’re not putting up results, the weight of the world feels like it’s crushing you,” he said. “You know how easily it could be taken away. It’s a ‘next-man-up’ kind of thing. They’ll always find somebody better, or not even better, just someone to fill your spot until someone produces that role. It’s ever-changing. You’re just an interchangeable piece.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
