Posted on 07/02/2004 3:19:37 PM PDT by truthandlife
It was one thing for Carlos Beltran to stand at home plate and hit the three-run double May 29 that gave the Kansas City Royals a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium.
It was another thing for Beltran, the Royals centerfielder, to stand near home plate after the game and give his testimony to about 10,000 fans gathered for the second annual Christian Family Day at the Kaufman Stadium.
One thing he does for a living; the other thing he does in obedience to a higher calling.
Beltran, 27, is a relatively new believer who needed the presence of a mature Christian next to him as he spoke. Mike Sweeney, Royals first baseman and team spiritual leader, was more than willing to oblige.
"He's by far the best baseball player I've ever shared a field with," Sweeney said of Beltran, who seemed pleased by Sweeney throwing his arm around him in a gesture of support.
Beltran said that he and his wife, Jessica, converted to Christianity in Kansas City through the influence of a former teammate, Luis Alicea, who introduced them to a pastor he knew.
"[The pastor] started talking to me about the Bible, and I was interested in everything he told me, but I always had the fear in my heart, the fear that I think almost everyone has -- the fear to accept Christ," Beltran said.
Beltran appeared to feel a little nervous as the main speaker on a day when teammates Jeremy Affeldt, Tony Graffanino and Sweeney had already spoken, along with two visiting Minnesota Twins -- third baseman Corey Koskie and relief pitcher J.C. Romero. To overcome what he was feeling, Beltran had Sweeney read Isaiah 41:10:
"Do not be afraid, I am with you, I am your God. Let nothing terrify you. I will make you strong, and I will help you. I will protect you, and I will save the lost."
Beltran decided to use that one verse as a plea for sinners in the crowd to become believers. After Sweeney read the verse, Beltran said in closing that it had been an honor for him to speak to so many people about Jesus, and the crowd responded with a standing ovation.
Earlier in his talk, Beltran told how he hurt his arm on a throw home against the Baltimore Orioles. The next inning he was due up, even though he could not swing the bat. In what Beltran saw as the grace of God, the pitcher threw four consecutive balls to walk him.
Fearing a career-ending injury, Beltran prayed and God healed his throwing arm in a matter of days.
"When something's wrong with you, instead of going to the doctor, go to Him first, because He can heal you in a second," Beltran said. "An injury that should have taken three or four months to heal took me three days. I know God is powerful."
On a sunny, windy day before 24,676 fans, many of whom were standing in anticipation, Beltran dug in against the Twins' Romero with the score 2-2 in the seventh inning with one out and the bases loaded. Beltran lined an 0-1 pitch to the gap in right, clearing the bases for what proved to be the difference in the game.
Royals fans have come to expect such results from Beltran, who was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1999. He has recorded four seasons of 100 runs scored and 100 RBI. Last year, he led the team in average (.307), runs (102), home runs (26), RBI (100), walks (72), triples (10) and stolen bases (41).
After the game, as the recording artists Go Fish performed a song, seven Christian athletes stood on the field as a means of standing up for their Lord. Sweeney, Beltran, Affeldt, Graffanino, Koskie, Romero and Kansas City Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson all chose to be a part of Christian Family Day, which meant they chose to be identified with God.
"I don't shoot up on drugs," said Affeldt, a left-handed relief pitcher who saved the game. "I've got one high, that's Jesus Christ.
"I'm a child of the Most High God. You cannot touch me. When I go eat in the throne room of God in my prayer life, I don't eat crumbs off the table. I eat steak."
But...but...but..., isn't there supposed to be separation of Church and National Pastime...?
It's nice to hear from Christian athletes. The liberal media makes a point to keep them under wraps. It's not good press for them and besides, news about nasty athletes sells more.
He's going to kick butt in Houston (excuse the French).
You guys out there in houston enjoy him while you can. He was magnificient here in KC. You won't believe what this guy can do.
I didn't know "Houston" was a French word.
Absolutely! God Bless Carlos Beltran...wherever he may play!
What a sweet story! They sound like great people.
"I'm a child of the Most High God. You cannot touch me. When I go eat in the throne room of God in my prayer life, I don't eat crumbs off the table. I eat steak."
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