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In a powerful display of faith and unity, six Baltimore Orioles players shared their personal testimonies about their relationship with Jesus Christ during the team’s first-ever “Faith Night.” The event, held after a tough loss, drew thousands of fans who stayed behind to participate in a night filled with worship, praise, and heartfelt stories of faith. Despite the evening’s challenging start on the field, the players’ words revealed a deeper purpose and sense of community within the team—one that transcends the game of baseball.

Starting pitcher Trevor Rogers, who had recently been traded to the Orioles from the Miami Marlins, was one of the first to speak about his journey of faith. Rogers, who had just completed his first home start for the Orioles, saw a greater significance in the timing of his new role with the team coinciding with the inaugural Faith Night.

“The timing — the first Faith Night, my first start in Baltimore, that’s God [working] right there,” Rogers shared, according to *The Baltimore Sun*. “To be around such a good group of guys, such good Christian guys … this is really fun, and I’m so happy to be here in Baltimore.”

Rogers’ testimony highlighted how faith has provided him with a sense of belonging and purpose within his new team. It’s not just about playing the game but being part of a group of men who are committed to their faith in Jesus Christ.

The post-game Faith Night event was more than just a moment to talk about faith—it was a full-fledged worship service. Reach Worship, a team from the nondenominational Reach Church in Newark, Delaware, led the crowd in a time of worship with popular Christian songs like “Mighty to Save” and “Till I Met You.” The atmosphere was electric as fans and players alike lifted their voices in praise.

Rob Long, a well-known Baltimore sports radio personality and Orioles broadcaster, also participated in the event, expressing his admiration for the Orioles organization for hosting Faith Night. “Let’s give the Orioles organization a hand for having the courage to put this on tonight,” Long said, according to The Baltimore Sun.

The event’s significance was underscored by the fact that faith plays a central role in the Orioles’ clubhouse. According to a description on MLB.com, the team regularly makes time for chapel services despite the grueling 162-game schedule that sees them playing six or seven games a week. These gatherings, usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, offer players a chance to step away from the pressures of the game, connect with one another, pray, and hear God’s Word.

Catcher James McCann revealed that as many as 15 players attend these Sunday chapel services, underscoring the deep sense of faith that permeates the team. Infielder Jordan Westburg, a first-year player and an All-Star selection, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’ve never been in a clubhouse with so many players who love Jesus Christ and follow him every single day.”

 

For many of the players, their faith in Christ influences their lives off the field and how they approach the game itself. Westburg, who recently suffered a hand injury, spoke about the security he finds in playing “for the glory of God,” particularly in a sport where failure is common. This mindset allows him to navigate the ups and downs of professional baseball with a sense of peace and purpose.

Veteran first baseman and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn also shared how his faith helps him cope with the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany an athlete’s career. O’Hearn quoted 1 Peter 5:7, a verse he frequently turns to in moments of doubt: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” He explained how this scripture provides him with a new sense of peace amidst the stress and pressure of professional sports

All-Star shortstop Gunnar Henderson, a 23-year-old who was raised in Alabama, spoke of his commitment to daily Bible reading. Henderson mentioned that he has been challenging himself to read a chapter of the New Testament each day for the past few months, a practice that has deepened his faith and provided him with spiritual strength.

Henderson and other team members were inspired to bring the concept of Faith Night to Baltimore after experiencing a similar event hosted by the Minnesota Twins. “I think it’s our opportunity to impact others,” Westburg told MLB.com. “Other than your usual charitable things that everybody can do, any opportunity that I can give back and at least try to spread some love and some hope, by all means, I’m going to try and do.”

Westburg emphasized that while people may have different beliefs, the freedom to express one’s faith is a beautiful aspect of being human. “We’re people just trying to do the right thing in this world in our own eyes,” he added.

Relief pitcher Danny Coulombe, who is hopeful for a return from injury in September, also shared his faith journey during the event. Raised in a Christian home, Coulombe explained that his relationship with Christ deepened in college after a pastor challenged him to pursue a more personal connection with God. Reflecting on the importance of faith in his life, Coulombe stated, “This — baseball — is important, but souls are the most important thing.” He added, “This is the most faithful team I’ve ever been around.”

 

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