Christian Faith: The Mets and Yankees Share Their Beliefs in Videos

Our family went to the Mets game yesterday against the Arizona Diamondbacks and it was inspiring not just to watch the game but also to look deeper into the lives of the players. One of our sons was invited along with hundreds of local Little League players to walk on Citi field before the game in a parade of sorts and we also received a free ticket because of this league which helped to offset the cost of food there. Personally, I'm more interested in football and lacrosse and this was the first pro baseball game that I've gone to, but the come-from-behind win was inspiring boosted by Rosario's pair of solo home runs and Cabrera's homer.

We all had a great time at the game and I was also inspired by reading about how the players and managers from both the Mets and the Yankees share their Christian faith and by watching some of their videos that I've linked to. Although there is a fan-based rivalry between the Mets and Yankees, faith transcends the game and it's inspiring to hear spiritual testimonies from all teams and players.

A search for "Mets and Christian Faith" brought up a 2017 article: "NY Mets Team Up With Times Square Church for Evangelistic Outreach at Citi Field"

Immediately following the Mets vs. Dodgers game on Aug 5, 2017, the Mets and Times Square Church invited fans to join them at Citi Field for a worship service held by the church. A faith-based message was delivered by Pastor Carter Conlon.

Former Mets player Daniel Murphy was very vocal about his faith, but the Mets fan base is not always supportive of the basic Christian values of scripture, as was highlighted in the reaction to Murphy's stance on homosexuality. Mets pitcher Steven Matz, a local player from Melville on Long Island, has shared his faith in a BREATHEcast video. He's had a rough season so far and probably could use our prayers. And then there are former Mets players Tim Tebow and Daryl Strawberry that have been more vocal in sharing their faith.

Former Mets Eight-Time All-Star Daryl Strawberry continues to make an impact spiritually. Strawberry was a top player for both the Mets and Yankees, but his career ended due to drug abuse. He found new and lasting hope when his current wife, Tracy, led him to Christ after they met at Narcotics Anonymous. Strawberry's now serving as a traveling minister and this video testimony highlights his path from brokenness to wholeness in Christ and the important aspect of being transformed by God's truth and Holy Spirit:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2 NIV)




The Yankees present manager, Joe Girardi, is very vocal about his faith. Girardi considered quitting baseball after his mother's death, but God had other plans. In his testimony, he describes how God used his girlfriend and his mother towards his salvation. The three-time All-American baseball player and manager says his mother's prophecy came true: "She said I was playing because God had given me the gifts to play baseball, and it will be my platform one day. By the end of the day, my girlfriend, who is now my wife, Kim, led me to Christ."

Players and managers of the Mets and Yankees have been pretty outspoken about their faith and beliefs and this is a good example in this day when people are attacked for simply sharing conservative views. Girardi emphasizes relationship over ritual and religion: "I feel it is important to grow one’s personal relationship with Christ,” states Girardi. “It can be built through fellowship with other people at home, at your church, or in the community. You build that relationship through reading the Bible and through prayer. I think you also build it by going out and witnessing or sharing your faith, but I know that is not easy or comfortable for some." Girardi shares his faith in a number of videos:




Aaron Judge of the Yankees has been making news as one of the largest baseball players, his ability to hit home runs, and his Christian faith. His Twitter account displays in bold 2 Corinthians 5:7: "For we walk by faith and not by sight." He summarizes his core values in his Twitter bio: "Christian. Faith, Family, then Baseball." And he also offers a motivational quote about excelling: "If what you did yesterday still seems big today, then you haven't done anything today!" Aaron's grateful for the passion of teammates: "We have a team that’s very eager. I feel blessed to be a part of this.” Like manager Joe Girardi, Aaron Judge doesn't have a silent or passive faith. He's aiming to “Make a difference, Lord willing.” This verse comes to mind: "I will honor those who honor me." (1 Samuel 2:30) and another verse that highlights how Aaron views his relationship with God as a way to keep him humble along with success: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." Ja. 4:10

Yogi Berra was a Mets and Yankees player and his words of humor coupled with a sense of home-spun wisdom have been used in many a sermon. In terms of the gospel, this is a good Yogi-ism: "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." If you haven't received Christ as Savior and Lord, then there is no better time than the present.

Tags: videos of Mets and Yankees sharing their faith, Christian testimonies of baseball players, Daryl Strawberry video testimony,  Joe Girardi video testimony, Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks May 20, 2018, baseball and Christian faith, faith in baseball, Yogi Berra Christian faith, Yogi Berra quotes, Christian baseball analogy, Girardi prophecy