Minor league pitcher finds major purpose in serving Christ

JACKSON, Tenn.—There is a hunger Donnie Joseph cannot satisfy through baseball.

Joseph ministers to homeless people in Austin during the off-season—not only by meeting immediate needs, but also by building relationships.

"I realize my life is more than baseball. It's more than having fun. I'm here for a purpose. We are called to help the homeless, so that is one of my biggest passions," said Joseph, a pitcher for the Omaha Storm Chasers, a minor-league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals.

Donnie Joseph, closer for the Omaha Storm Chasers, ministers to the homeless in Austin during the off-season. Joseph became a Christian as a child attending First Baptist Church in San Marcos. (PHOTO/Minda Haas/Omaha Storm Chasers)

The help goes beyond money. He provides a listening ear as he takes them to lunch.

"I sit and talk with them. I get to know their life. I get to know their story," said Joseph, who is from Buda. "Once you meet those people, you realize that they have had one or two bad breaks to be put into the situation.

"I met a person this off-season. He's a great guy. That's why I like to build relationships with them, because they are great people. If people would just give them a chance, they would see that. I am going to try to do everything I can to try to bring as many people to Christ."

Joseph sees his objective as telling people about Christ. He begins by observing where they are spiritually.

"It goes from here. It's always a good feeling to help people out. Anything I do is never for myself or my glory—it's for these guys. I am here to serve the Lord," he said.

Drafted out of the University of Houston by the Cincinnati Reds in the third round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft, Joseph is playing on his third team this season.

He began the season in Pensacola, the Reds' AA team in the Southern League, before being promoted to Louisville, the Reds' AAA affiliate in the International League. Joseph, a left-handed closer, was traded to the Kansas City Royals July 31 and has been playing with the organization's AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League.

At Houston, Joseph was first-team All-Conference USA and third-team All-American. He played football, basketball and baseball at Hays High School and is the school's second all-time leading receiver.

"I went to college where I didn't know too many people. Playing in pro ball, I don't know too many people. So, it's been challenging," he said.

"That has definitely been a test of my faith, and I've really had to rely on God."

Growing up in what he called a "strong Christian home," his parents, Dennis and Gaylynn Joseph, talked with him about becoming a Christian.

"My mom shared it with me first. She is the reason I've become a Christian," said Joseph, who was baptized at First Baptist Church of San Marcos at age 7.

While Gaylynn is not his biological mother, she raised him and adopted him when he was 18.

"A lot of people don't know that," said Joseph, 24. "She is definitely one of the reasons I am who I am today."

Along with his parents, whom he calls "huge role models," another "big influence" has been  performance consultant Lee Bason, who has helped with the mental side of his game.

Calling his faith "strong," Joseph has needed it when his numbers haven't been. In 2011, he was 1-3 with a 6.94 ERA in the Southern League.

"Last year was a disappointment numbers-wise. But I wouldn't trade that year for anything, because I grew spiritually, and I grew as a baseball player as well. When times are going good, when times are going bad, I need to rely on (Christ). I know without him, I am nothing. With him in my life, it's made a change on who I am as a person," he said.

"Christ has directed my life. Christ is the most important thing in my life."

Joseph, who organizes team baseball chapels, grows spiritually through prayer, memorizing Scripture and reading the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

On his cleats, he writes favorite Bible verses—Joshua 1:9 and Philippians 4:13. He puts those verses there so he can read them before every pitch.

"It's a reminder to trust in God and believe in him. All the strength I have is from him," said Joseph, who attends Austin Stone Community Church.

Another favorite passage is Psalm 46:10—"Be still and know that I am God."

"You are traveling a lot. It's hard to get to the Scripture and pray, but you've got to be devoted. You really have to have that mindset. You can't give up on it," he said.

When Joseph pitched in Pensacola, he and pitcher Drew Hayes often prayed together.

"Donnie has probably been the one who has helped me more than anybody as far as that aspect (faith). He holds people accountable for your actions. He is always consistent. His actions line up with his words," Hayes said.

Joseph explained: "If someone can see Christ in me, perfect. I can trust that God is in control of my conversations and hopefully make an impact in people's lives. Hopefully, they see a godly man in action and in the words and how I live my life, no matter what happens on or off the field.

"There are a lot of things in this game that can throw you off your walk. I try not to be a stumbling block. I think being strong in your faith, being grounded in what you believe in and not making compromises keeps you strong. If your faith is wavering, you can stumble."

Pensacola outfielder Andrew Means said Joseph "always keeps the faith. It's good to see that example. It is definitely a top priority in my life." Means said he liked being around Joseph because of his charisma and the way he carried himself.

Josh Fellhauer, an outfielder with Pensacola, said of Joseph, "He is always there for you. He is always a helping hand. He was our rock spiritually."

As a closer, Joseph has been consistent, Hayes added.

That's one of Joseph's goals. He wants to fulfill a childhood dream of playing in the major leagues.

"I know God is in control of my life and my career. I want to honor him every day in trying to be the best I can. That drives me to be better each day," Joseph said.

"I am far from perfect. I've been blessed by the game I love, but it doesn't consume who I am and doesn't make me. My identity is in Christ, and that is who I am. I must live to please him."