Minor league catcher keeps ‘close connection’ to Christ

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SEVIERVILLE, Tenn.—As Chad Noble travels through the Southern League, he carries a backpack filled with symbols of his father's journey against a foe that doesn't play games.

Chad Noble–now a catcher for the Tennessee Smokies–graduated in 2010 from Northwestern University with a degree in economics. (PHOTO/Northwestern Athletics)

Dave Noble gave his son wooden crosses signifying different steps in his eight-year battle with cancer, and he wrote Psalm 23 on each of the palm-sized crosses.

"Those mean a lot to me," said Chad Noble, a 24-year-old catcher for the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Noble was 16 when his father was diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, tongue and neck. He was in remission for a year and a half before a different kind of mouth cancer returned.

"He is dealing with that now," Noble said. "It's been tough. He has definitely had his highs and lows, especially when it came back this last time. We thought he was clear. I've been scared.

"I have never seen my dad cry before, and that was pretty eye opening. When my mom (Leslie Noble) and dad were in their room, I could hear them crying. That was pretty tough. But he is a fighter and a big believer in Christ. That helps a lot with all of us. He has a huge faith."

Dave Noble led his son to faith in Christ when Chad was 12.

"My dad by far is the biggest influence I have had with my walk with Christ," he said.


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As he and his younger brothers, John and Nick, grew up, the family would have devotionals that included prayer and Bible reading on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Those helped them get through, Noble said.

The practice continues as Noble keeps a "close connection" with Christ by attending baseball chapel, studying the Bible and prayer.

"If I am having a bad day and it's hard for me to get through it, I get down on my knees and pray and ask God to help me and for forgiveness. Immediately, it makes me feel better and makes me feel cleansed," he said. When he's not traveling with the team, Noble attends Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.

When WWJD—"What Would Jesus Do?"—bracelets first became popular, he wore one. While it's off his wrist now, it's still on his mind.

Chad Noble, who attends Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall during the off-season, seeks to keep a close connection with Christ by attending baseball chapel, studying the Bible and prayer as he seeks to make his mark in Minor League Baseball. (PHOTO/ Scott Jontes/Daytona Cubs)

"I have learned that I have a lot more faults than I want to admit. Every time I do something, I am like, 'Wow, would Jesus have really done that?'"

One of Noble's role models is Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has battled substance abuse during his baseball career. Hamilton, the American League Most Valuable Player in 2010, credits his faith in Christ as helping him deal with addiction.

When Noble was on the baseball team at Northwestern University, he attended chapel and saw a telecast of Hamilton speaking about Christ at a church.

"He talked about his faith that he has had ever since his addictions and how he has been helped through that. I believe that is very manly of him. That is good to see that he has Christ in his heart," Noble said.

Noble hopes through his own demeanor, attitude and speaking about Christ, he can be a witness to teammates.

"There are a lot of guys in the clubhouse that have the same faith. There are a lot that don't. You have to keep helping people as much as you can," he said.

Smokies shortstop Dustin Harrington calls Noble "a great Christian" who "is always trying to do the right thing; just really following the Lord. He treats everybody with respect."

Matt Cerda, Tennessee third baseman, said Noble's positive attitude "helps everybody."

Noble graduated in 2010 from Northwestern University with a degree in economics.

While he wants to play Major League Baseball, "if that doesn't work," he plans to be a private equity analyst at a large firm.

Noble was drafted in the 37th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft. He has played for Cubs' minor league teams in Boise, Peoria and Daytona. In 2011, Daytona won the Florida State League championship.

"That was a great thrill," said Noble, whose athletic ability has been passed down through three generations.

His father swam for the University of Iowa. His grandfather Dudley, from whom Chad gets his middle name, played football for the Hawkeyes. His great-grandfather ran track at Iowa.

In addition to the crosses, Noble also carries a marker in his backpack. He uses it to write the word "DAD" on his baseball cap.

"No matter what happens in life, however hard it is for the people you love, keep faith in Christ and it will help you through," Noble said.

"I've gotten used to dealing through the pain. Life won't always give you great things. But through Christ, it will always be great."


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