DBU BASEBALL: Faith’s on first_62303

Posted: 6/20/03

Patriots pitcher Jeff Gilmore (left) aims a pitch at the plate, but pitching isn't the only area the university teaches him to keep a true aim in. DBU's athletic programs combine an intensive faith focus along with athletic excellence. "I want something to challenge me besides baseball," said Patriots pitcher Justin Orozco (inset below). Players often find fulfillment in ministry projects such as preparing Christmas gifts for needy children. Pictured (right) are Lance Bina and Diamond Belle Kaylee Reynolds.

DBU BASEBALL: Faith's on first

By Kambry Bickings

Staff Writer

DALLAS–A day in the life of a Dallas Baptist University baseball player consists of more than running, weight lifting, pitching and batting. DBU's coaches not only equip players for the next inning but for the game of life.

The Patriots took their first title in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association this year. But that alone does not describe their distinction among the nation's universities.

DBU considers its baseball program unique because of the way coaches interact with team members, the activities the team undergoes together on and off the field and the spiritual support provided for all student athletes.

In addition to academic and athletic training, the university boasts that it is “committed to every athlete growing toward spiritual maturity.” A discipleship program provides four areas for players to grow, learn and mature in Christian faith, as well as excel in athletic abilities.

The first form of discipleship comes through the university's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. FCA meets once a month for praise and worship and a message from a guest speaker, such as recent appearance by Woody Dantzler, special teams player for the Dallas Cowboys. Logan Stout, assistant baseball coach, leads the worship.

Second, each DBU athletic team also meets together weekly for a team Bible study, often led by one of the coaches. Last spring, for example, the baseball team studied 1 Peter.

“Not only does the mentoring take place within a Bible study setting, but there are spiritual ties and connections made on bus rides, walking to and from practice, and through other routines the baseball team undergoes together,” said Wayne Poague, athletics director

Third, the teams also participate in small-group discussions led by and made up of their peers. This spring, the baseball team went through a small-group study of Thessalonians.

Finally, DBU athletes also are encouraged to put their faith into action. Last year, the baseball team participated in a weekly reading program with the Grand Prairie school district, reading to at-risk children in the classroom, as well as at the Boys & Girls Club.

“The kids are so receptive to the baseball players,” Poague said. “I think they believe they are major-league players. We have them wear their jerseys when the go into the classrooms.”

Baseball players also were active in raising support for Franklin Graham's Samaritan's Purse ministry. Their gifts aided Operation Christmas Child.

The baseball team also switched sports for a weekend this spring to play basketball with inner-city youth at the Beautiful Feet Church in Fort Worth.

Such experiences contribute to developing spiritually as a team and an individual, Poague said. “There's more to life than baseball. These guys have to get a degree; someday they'll be husbands and dads. Being a spiritual leader for a family is important too.”

Dallas Baptist also consistently sends several of its baseball players each summer to be part of Athletes in Action. This summer, eight DBU players are participating in the Campus Crusade for Christ program, which consists of all-star teams that travel around the world playing baseball and sharing their faith in Christ. At the end of each game or between a double-header, one player from each team gives his testimony, and several people often are led to faith in Jesus Christ. Each player must raise his own support for the May-to-August mission. The leagues range in location from Missouri or New York, to the Netherlands, Germany, England and beyond.

DBU's student players report satisfaction with the extra attention they get from coaches and staff.

“Our coaches know us on the field but off the field as well,” said Justin Orozco, pitcher for the DBU Patriots and a junior from Mesquite. “They are there to support us in all areas of life.”

Although he didn't originally plan on playing at DBU, he thinks he knows now why God brought him there.

“I want something to challenge me besides baseball,” he explained. “It's easy to get distracted by baseball alone, especially during the season. Having coaches who care to challenge us to excel in all areas of life makes all the difference.”