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Baseball and the Bible

Ryker

Fun podcast discussing baseball and baseball training. We will also be getting into the Bible and doing weekly devotionals.

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20 episodes
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Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 20

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S3 · E11
October 11 · 39 min
Hustle and Heart
What does it look like to give everything you have, even when no one is watching? This episode digs into one of baseball's most enduring legacies -- the relentless hustle of Pete Rose -- and draws a straight line from the diamond to our daily walk of faith. The anchor verse, 1 Corinthians 10:31, calls us to do everything for the glory of God, and that is not just a Sunday morning idea. It is a Monday morning, bottom-of-the-ninth, nobody-on-base idea. When we sprint to first on a weak ground ball, when we push through the ordinary moments with the same intensity we bring to the big ones, we are not just building athletic habits -- we are revealing our character. The episode challenges us to ask ourselves honestly: do we reserve our best effort for the moments that feel important, or do we bring that same fire to every single play? The scoreboard may shift, the crowd may or may not notice, but effort is always our choice. And when that choice is rooted in honoring God rather than earning applause, it transforms even the smallest act into something meaningful.
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S3 · E10
October 4 · 38 min
Quiet Greatness & Postseason Baseball
October baseball is here! ⚾ In this episode of Baseball & The Bible, we break down the 2026 MLB postseason picture, discuss the biggest matchups and players to watch, and look at the stars who led the league during the regular season. We also talk about “quiet greatness”—players who consistently get the job done without always receiving the attention they deserve—and reflect on some memorable postseason moments from baseball history. Who has what it takes to survive October and make a run at the World Series? Join us as we talk baseball, postseason pressure, and the greatness that sometimes happens without all the headlines.
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S3 · E9
September 27 · 34 min
The Film Nerd & Playoff Baseball
What does it look like to truly prepare for the challenges ahead? In this episode, we explore a fascinating parallel between the disciplined study habits of MLB star J.D. Martinez and the biblical call to meditate on God's Word day and night. Joshua 1:8 reminds us that prosperity and success are not accidents -- they are the fruit of intentional, consistent engagement with Scripture. Just as Martinez rebuilt his entire swing by studying film with relentless focus, we are invited to rebuild our spiritual lives by anchoring ourselves in the Bible. The lesson is clear: flying blind never works, whether you are stepping into the batter's box or navigating the pressures of everyday life. When we commit to studying God's Word with the same dedication Martinez brought to his iPad, we begin to spot patterns in our own lives, adjust habits that are holding us back, and move toward the people God designed us to be.
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S3 · E8
September 20 · 34 min
Walk With The Wise & Batting Stances
What if the people standing closest to us are actually shaping the trajectory of our faith without us even realizing it? That is exactly the kind of question this episode invites us to sit with. Drawing from the life of Tommy Edman, we see how a young man who grew up in the church but drifted into a double-minded faith was transformed not through a dramatic moment, but through proximity to men who lived what they believed. Hebrews 13:7 calls us to remember those who have spoken God's word over us and to consider the outcome of their way of life. The challenge is not just to admire strong believers from a distance, but to let their example do real work in us. For Edman, watching teammates like Adam Wainwright and Paul Goldschmidt up close was the catalyst that moved him from a faith with one eye on the world to one rooted in daily prayer and Scripture. The spiritual lesson here is both simple and profound: who we surround ourselves with is not a neutral decision. It is a faith decision. As we navigate our own seasons of transition and growth, this episode reminds us that the inner circle we cultivate can either pull us deeper into who God is calling us to be or quietly pull us away.
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S3 · E7
September 13 · 34 min
The Ultimate Teammate & Mammoth Home Runs
What does it truly mean to be a great teammate? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful transformations in baseball history, the story of David Ross, a backup catcher who went from being labeled a self-focused player to being hoisted on his teammates' shoulders after a World Series championship. The spiritual lesson woven through this story is rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where we are called to encourage one another and build each other up. Ross's journey challenges us to ask a hard question: are we so focused on our own position, our own spotlight, that we forget the people around us? When Ross humbled himself and asked his teammates to define what a great teammate looks like, words like humility, sacrifice, encouragement, and accountability filled the board. These are not just baseball virtues. They are the very qualities God calls us to live out every single day, in our friendships, our families, and our communities. The most meaningful legacy we can leave is not the personal glory we chase, but the people we lift up along the way.
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S3 · E6
September 6 · 46 min
From Gridiron To Dugout
What does it look like to trust God when your dream falls short? This episode takes us on a journey through the story of Tim Tebow, one of the most decorated college football players in history, who walked away from the NFL and picked up a baseball bat with a boldness that most people dismissed as a publicity stunt. Yet he climbed all the way to AAA professional baseball, one step from the majors, before retiring. The central scripture anchoring this reflection is Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are reminded that trusting God with all our heart means releasing our grip on outcomes and leaning into something bigger than our own understanding. Tebow's own words cut right to the heart of it: when we ask 'why' in excess, we are really telling God we do not trust Him. That is a challenge worth sitting with. His journey invites us to ask ourselves whether we are willing to go all in on something, give it everything we have, and still walk away with our faith intact when the door closes. The lesson is not that dreams always come true. The lesson is that the pursuit itself shapes us, strengthens us, and positions us for whatever God has mapped out next.
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S3 · E5
August 30 · 36 min
Joy That Doesn't Budge
What does it really mean to have joy that does not fade when the pressure mounts or the season gets long? In this episode, we explore one of baseball's most unlikely sources of spiritual inspiration: a journeyman outfielder whose laugh went viral and whose faith runs deeper than his batting average. Drawing from Nehemiah 8:10, which reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our very strength, we look at how genuine, rooted joy is not a personality trait we are born with but a fruit that grows out of a real relationship with God. Brett Phillips made a decision to follow Christ in seventh grade, and that single choice quietly shaped everything about how he carries himself on and off the field. We are challenged to ask ourselves whether the joy we project in our own lives is surface-level or whether it is anchored in something that holds when life gets hard. True joy, the kind that overflows onto the people around us, does not come from winning. It comes from belonging to God and trusting His promises, even in the quiet and difficult stretches.
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S3 · E4
August 23 · 36 min
No Room For Fear
What happens when fear threatens to sideline us for good? In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of a pitcher who took a 100-mile-per-hour line drive to the face and somehow found the courage to return to the mound just five weeks later. His story becomes a powerful lens through which we examine one of Jesus's most direct challenges to our anxious hearts. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus poses a question that cuts right to the heart of our worry: can any of us add a single hour to our lives by worrying? The answer is obvious, and yet we all know how easy it is to get caught in that spiral. The parallel between a pitcher stepping back onto the mound after a traumatic injury and our own daily battles with fear and anxiety is striking. Both require a conscious decision to trust something greater than our own ability to control outcomes. We are not passive passengers in our stories, but we are called to release our grip on the things we cannot control and walk forward in faith anyway. That tension between action and surrender is at the heart of what this passage invites us into.
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S3 · E3
August 16 · 36 min
The Van Man
What does it look like to step away from the noise and find God in the quiet? The story of Daniel Norris challenges us to reconsider what we truly value. A professional baseball player with a multi-million dollar signing bonus chose to park a decades-old camper van behind a Walmart and call it home. Not out of necessity, but out of conviction. Norris understood something that many of us spend years trying to learn: the simple things, the natural things, the created things, have a way of pointing us back to the One who made them. Psalm 19:1 reminds us that the heavens themselves are declaring God's glory at every moment. Creation is not just a backdrop to our busy lives. It is a constant, living testimony to the greatness of God. When we slow down long enough to actually take it in, something shifts in us. The pressure of performance, the weight of expectations, the pull of screens and schedules, all of it begins to quiet. We are invited this week to step outside, even for just ten minutes, and let the world God made remind us of who He is and how magnificent His work truly is.
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S3 · E2
August 9 · 52 min
Embrace the Thorn
What do you do when everything falls apart and the dream you worked your whole life for starts slipping through your fingers? That is the question at the heart of this episode, and it is one that goes far beyond baseball. We explore the remarkable story of a pitcher who, after years of inconsistency and being cut from multiple rosters, found himself at rock bottom. Rather than pushing harder on his own strength, he turned to a passage in 2 Corinthians 12 where the Apostle Paul describes a painful struggle he called a thorn, something God refused to remove, instead promising that His power is made perfect in weakness. That shift in perspective changed everything. The lesson for us is profound: our struggles are not signs that God has abandoned us. They may be the very instruments He is using to deepen our faith and reshape us into something greater than we could have become on our own.
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S3 · E1
August 2 · 28 min
Unashamed of the Gospel
What does it look like to be unashamed of the gospel in a world that often rewards silence? This episode takes us straight to the heart of that question through the story of Gunnar Henderson, a young MLB star who refused to wait for permission to speak about his faith. From the moment he stepped into the big leagues, Gunnar made it clear that his identity was rooted in something far greater than baseball. When he won AL Rookie of the Year, he did not lead with his stats or his team. He led with Jesus. That kind of boldness is rare, and it challenges us to ask ourselves where we are holding back. Romans 1:16 reminds us that the gospel does not need us to be polished or perfectly prepared before we share it. The power belongs to God, not to our eloquence. Gunnar's story is a living illustration of that truth, and it invites us to consider what moments in our own lives we might be treating as too small or too early to speak up.
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S2 · E33
July 26 · 32 min
Never Too Far Gone
What happens when someone seems to have everything the world says should bring happiness, yet still feels completely empty inside? That is the question at the heart of this episode's devotion, drawn from the life of Darryl Strawberry. His story is a striking reminder that outward success, fame, and wealth cannot fill the void that only God can fill. Strawberry himself described sitting in a two-million-dollar home feeling bankrupt inside, and that raw honesty cuts straight to something we all need to hear. The passage from Isaiah serves as the spiritual anchor here, pointing us toward a God who does not abandon people when they hit rock bottom. Strawberry's journey from addiction, suspension, and incarceration to speaking in schools, churches, and prisons about redemption is not just inspiring, it is a living illustration of what the gospel actually looks like in a human life. The idea that Jesus rescues, redeems, and restores in that specific order gives us a framework for understanding grace that is both sequential and deeply personal. For anyone walking through a season of failure or feeling disqualified from God's love, this devotion is a direct word of encouragement that no life is too far gone for restoration.
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S2 · E32
July 20 · 31 min
Keep Rising
The journey of resilience and perseverance takes center stage in this powerful message about never giving up, even when we face our darkest slumps. Through the story of Cody Bellinger's dramatic fall from MVP to struggling hitter and his remarkable comeback, we're reminded that failure doesn't have to define us. Proverbs 24:16 anchors this truth: the righteous may fall seven times, but they rise again. What makes this possible isn't superhuman strength or willpower—it's our willingness to depend on God through every struggle. Bellinger's story illustrates a profound spiritual principle: even when we've achieved success, there's always room for growth and transformation. His willingness to completely rework his approach, to go back to basics and make fundamental changes, mirrors the spiritual humility we need in our walk with God. We're never too experienced, too accomplished, or too far along to need God's guidance and correction. The message challenges us to examine our own slumps—whether in our spiritual lives, relationships, or personal pursuits—and to remember that we don't carry these burdens alone. God is right there, ready to help us persevere, to give us wisdom to grow through our struggles, and to help us rise again. The call is clear: keep rising, keep depending on God, and never let failure have the final word in our story.
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S2 · E31
July 12 · 37 min
Always Grateful
At the heart of this message lies a profound truth about gratitude in the midst of adversity. Through the story of baseball player Royce Lewis, we encounter a powerful example of maintaining joy and thankfulness even when circumstances seem devastating. Lewis faced not one but two ACL injuries just as his major league career was beginning, yet he chose to view these setbacks as pauses rather than endings. The scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 calls us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. This isn't merely positive thinking—it's a spiritual discipline that transforms how we experience hardship. When we choose gratitude during our toughest moments, we shift our perspective from what we've lost to what God is still doing. Lewis's story reminds us that gratitude doesn't require perfect circumstances; it requires intentional focus on God's faithfulness. His ability to celebrate teammates from the dugout while injured demonstrates that joy isn't dependent on our current situation but on our trust in God's bigger picture. We're challenged to identify the good things in our lives even during grinding seasons—whether it's basic provisions, relationships, or simply another day to pursue our calling. This practice of gratitude doesn't deny our pain but anchors us in hope, reminding us that God uses setbacks to grow our faith, strengthen our character, and prepare us for opportunities we can't yet see.
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S2 · E30
July 5 · 34 min
Triple Threat
This episode reminds us of a profound truth that echoes throughout Scripture: we are all essential parts of one body. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:21, we explore how a rare triple play executed by the Atlanta Braves in 2023 perfectly illustrates God's design for teamwork and mutual dependence. Just as the eye cannot say to the hand 'I don't need you,' each player on that field had a specific role to fulfill. The center fielder made the catch, the first baseman completed the double-off, and the third baseman applied the final tag. No one tried to be the hero or take over someone else's assignment. This mirrors our calling in the church and in life. We're challenged to ask ourselves: What is our unique responsibility that helps our team, family, or friends be at their best? Whether we're batting ninth or playing right field, whether we're in the spotlight or serving behind the scenes, we each bring irreplaceable value. The message calls us to maximize our God-given gifts without comparison or pride, focusing instead on doing our part with excellence. It's a liberating reminder that faithfulness in our assigned role is more important than achieving worldly recognition.
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S2 · E29
June 28 · 23 min
Hall of Fame Generosity
This episode beautifully weaves together America's favorite pastime with timeless biblical principles, reminding us that generosity is far more than writing checks or making donations. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:18 and the example of baseball legend Albert Pujols, we're challenged to reconsider what it truly means to live generously. Pujols didn't just dominate on the field with 3,384 hits—he made it clear that his legacy off the field mattered more. Through his foundation supporting people with Down syndrome and families in the Dominican Republic, he demonstrated that generosity flows from using whatever God has blessed us with to serve others. The wisdom of Proverbs 11:24-25 echoes throughout: when we give freely, we gain even more; when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. This isn't about having wealth or platforms—it's about recognizing that our time, energy, and talents are gifts meant to be shared. Whether sitting with someone who eats alone or helping a struggling teammate, every act of generosity honors God and fills us with a peace money cannot buy. We're invited to examine our own lives and ask: are we living with open hands, ready to give as Christ gave?
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S2 · E28
June 21 · 26 min
Take The Leap of Faith
This episode explores the tension between waiting and acting in our faith journey through the lens of baseball's greatest base stealer, Ricky Henderson. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:4, we're challenged to recognize when patience becomes paralysis and when boldness is required to step into God's calling. Henderson's record-breaking career of 1,406 stolen bases illustrates a powerful truth: sometimes we overthink our opportunities, waiting for perfect conditions that will never arrive. The devotion confronts us with an uncomfortable reality - we often disguise fear as wisdom, using patience and discipline as excuses to avoid the uncomfortable work of sharing our faith or stepping into new areas of spiritual growth. Just as Henderson trusted his preparation and took calculated risks with an 80% success rate, we're called to trust God's preparation in our lives and move forward even when we don't feel completely ready. The message reminds us that real spiritual growth happens outside our comfort zones, and that God walks alongside those who trust Him enough to take that leap. Whether it's joining a youth group, sharing the gospel with a friend, or pursuing a calling that feels intimidating, we're encouraged to stop waiting for uncertainty to disappear and instead embrace obedience as the catalyst for experiencing the amazing things God has planned for us.
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S2 · E27
June 14 · 27 min
Walk It Out
In a world that constantly pushes us toward instant gratification, we're reminded through the example of Juan Soto that true excellence requires patience and discipline working in harmony. The wisdom of Proverbs 14:29 comes alive as we watch a young baseball player who learned to swing at bottle caps with a broomstick, developing not just hand-eye coordination but something far more valuable: the ability to wait for the right moment. Soto's incredible walk record isn't about passivity; it's about knowing what to chase and what to let pass by. This same principle applies to our spiritual lives and daily decisions. We often find ourselves anxious for success, wanting to skip the difficult seasons and jump straight to the blessings. But God's timing rarely matches our impatience. The question becomes deeply personal: Are we forcing doors that God hasn't opened? Are we swinging at pitches outside our strike zone simply because we're tired of waiting? The beautiful truth is that patience isn't wasted time; it's where character is forged and wisdom is developed. When we learn to pause, pray, and discern God's voice before acting, we position ourselves to truly crush it when the right opportunity arrives. The grind isn't something to endure grudgingly but to embrace gratefully, knowing that every moment of waiting is preparing us for what's ahead.
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S2 · E26
June 7 · 40 min
Rocky Mountain Rise with Troy Johnston
What does it truly mean to persevere in our dreams while maintaining faith through the darkest valleys? This powerful conversation explores the intersection of athletic pursuit and spiritual endurance, reminding us that our journey is never just about reaching a destination—it's about who we become along the way. We hear a remarkable story of someone who nearly walked away from their calling, facing financial struggles, family pressures, and years of setbacks, yet discovered that one more year of faithfulness could change everything. The central message echoes Psalm 42:11: 'Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.' This isn't just about baseball or any single pursuit—it's about learning to shift our perspective from 'what if everything goes wrong?' to 'what if everything goes right?' When we anchor our hope in God rather than our circumstances, we discover that the struggle itself is shaping us into people of character, resilience, and faith. The reminder that someone is always watching us—whether we succeed or fail—calls us to be our best selves not for recognition, but because we represent something greater than ourselves.
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S2 · E25
May 31 · 39 min
Hope on the Hill
At the heart of this episode lies a powerful truth about where we place our hope. Through the story of Tyler Holton, a relief pitcher who faced setbacks and roster cuts, we discover what it means to anchor our lives in something unshakeable. The scripture from 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that true hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus Christ—a living hope that transcends our circumstances. Holton's journey from being cut by the Diamondbacks to becoming a reliable arm for the Tigers illustrates how faith keeps us level-headed through life's valleys and mountains. His testimony reveals that when our hope rests in Jesus rather than in our plans or achievements, disappointments don't have to steal our peace. This message challenges us to examine what we're truly counting on—is it a scholarship, a relationship, a career goal? Those things can change overnight, but the victory Jesus won over sin and death is already locked in. For anyone facing setbacks or feeling overlooked, this devotion offers a profound reminder: our eternal hope in Christ gives us the strength to persevere through seasons of waiting and uncertainty.
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