As the World Series battles on, faith and baseball intersect in a grand slam moment for players and fans alike. This year’s matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees isn’t just a contest between two powerhouse teams—it’s a showcase of faith, with star players stepping up to the plate to share what their beliefs mean to them, both on and off the field.
CBN Sports reporter Will Dawson captures this spirit firsthand, sitting down with players who are unashamed to reveal how their faith keeps them grounded amid the intensity of the season. “Baseball and sports in general is a brotherhood,” Dawson notes. “But there’s a different battle—a spiritual battle—and it’s not just your teammates in this; it’s your brothers in Christ.”
Dodgers’ first baseman Freddie Freeman is one of the many players unafraid to reveal how his faith sustains him. Freeman recently faced a crisis when his three-year-old son was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious autoimmune disorder. Reflecting on the ordeal, Freeman says he “leaned on [his faith] a lot.” His family, grounded in faith, became his support system, and he drew strength from his team chaplain, Brandon Cash. “Having a great network of people to keep us strong, keep the faith … it’s been really good,” Freeman says.
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Yankees captain Aaron Judge, towering at 6-foot-7, stands out not only for his athletic prowess but for his humility and dedication to his faith. Adopted at a young age, Judge often reflects on the biblical imagery of adoption, saying it helps him understand the depth of God’s love.
“His love is incredible,” Judge shares. “If you would have told me back when I was five years old that I’d be in a World Series with the Yankees, I never would have believed you. Just having [God’s] blessings, keeping the faith through good times and bad times, knowing He’s always with me, has definitely helped me get to this position.”
When players like Judge take a swing for the fences with their faith, their words reach beyond the ballpark. As Dawson notes, a superstar speaking out about God’s love commands attention, “When he says something about God’s love and Jesus Christ, they all listen,” Dawson says. “It’s going out all over the world.”
For believers on both rosters, this World Series offers more than a shot at the Commissioner’s Trophy; it’s a field of opportunity to spread the message of Christ. When people with great influence and a substantial platform share their faith publicly, millions witness their testimony and the goodness of God. Whether it’s sharing a Bible verse during a post-game interview or giving glory to God at the end of the season, these players wield the power of influence—a power that extends far beyond any game-winning home run.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.