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Adrian "A-Gone" Gonzalez
First Baseman - Los Angeles Dodgers
" I don't want to be remembered in baseball. I want to be remembered as a good witness for Christ."
Adrian has Psalm 27:1 inscribed on his bat. That Bible verse reads, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
So yo might say that Adrian is very focused. He's been as focused on building his faith as he has on refining his swing.
It all began back in 2003 when he married his middle school sweetheart, Betsy.
In the days that followed he was known as the teammate who would come alongside the team chaplain and offer to do the bible studies on the road, or speak about his faith whenever needed. The Red Sox even hosted their first ever Faith Night thanks to his influence.
Last August, Adrian was traded to the Dodgers, where he immediately contributed by hitting .297 with 3 homers and 22 RBIs.
He's was off to a torrid start this season batting .350 with 4 dingers and 26 RBIs until a neck strain has made him a day-to-day questionable starter. Add that to the Dodgers languishing in last place in the National League West Division and you have a city calling for manager Don Mattingly to be fired.
Gonzalez said in an interview not long ago, "There is no pressure. My stats don't matter. I'm just trying to use this platform to bring people to Christ."
What better time for a man of faith like Adrian to step up and provide leadership in the clubhouse?
When we have the ability to rise above our circumstances and see the larger picture we can bring calm and leadership to the very worst of times. For a follower of Christ, that larger picture is an understanding and trust that God is in control, and that we're called in the trying times to be the encourager. To bring hope and peace reminding others that it's not always through our own striving that God's will is done.
Little Known Fact
For some unknown reason, the Texas Rangers traded Gonzalez to the Padres at the end of the 2005 season, where we would go on to be a 4x All Star and 2x Gold Glove winner.
source: Wikipedia.com
My Prayer
Father, give us all the passion and perspective that cares more about sharing the reason for our joy and hope than all else. In Christ's Name, Amen.
Scripture to Reflect On
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
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