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With baseball season right around the corner, what better way to be prepared to take the field than with the latest release from Iron Stream Media and New Hope Publishers? The third book in a series that highlights the faith of professional ballplayers, Dugout Devotions II: Inspirational Hits from MLB’s Best, will help you make solid contact with your spiritual side for a much-needed base hit.
I took great joy in doing the research for this book, which included several personal interviews with big names in Major League Baseball. One of my favorite encounters was with Baltimore Orioles slugger Chris Davis, who spoke to me about the lengthy slump he went through at the plate two years ago. Everyone in life goes through struggles, but not everyone has the spotlight on them while they face a challenge. Chris, the All-Star first baseman, told me how he had to turn over his professional troubles to the Lord and count the blessings God had given to him. “I had to remind myself that He is always there for you, even when you go through trials,” Chris said. “You might not feel like it at times, but He cares about you and is thinking about you all the time. He cares so deeply for you and me that He sent His son to die for us.” That was the perspective Chris needed to maintain. After all, he was just trying to hit a baseball. But that’s also his job, and he wasn’t performing well. “No matter what happens, if you are a success at your job or not, God loves you the same if I’m in a slump or not – day in and day out.” When Chris gave his struggle to God, he was able to connect and get the monkey off his back. There are also motivational and inspirational stories from my interviews with Jose Altuve, Curtis Granderson, Albert Pujols, Tim Tebow and many more. I was honored and blessed to have spent some time with Tim, even though he just announced his retirement from baseball. Tim follows God’s leading in his life, and the time we spent together was priceless.
My hope and prayer is that Dugout Devotions II will encourage and inspire the reader. It’s not so much about baseball, but how recognizable names in the game find peace and comfort in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Del Duduit
Duduit is an award-winning writer and author who lives in Lucasville, Ohio with his wife, Angie. Follow his blog at delduduit.com/blog and his Twitter @delduduit. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency.
