Dear Friend,
The 2024 Chicago White Sox had the worst record in major league baseball history.
Gavin Sheets was a member of that team. After the season ended, the Sox did not offer him a contract for the new year allowing him to become a free agent. In early February, right before the start of spring training, the San Diego Padres signed him to a minor league contract with an invite to their camp but no guarantee of making the team.
Sheets surprised everyone by hitting a homer in his first game. Then he hit another one the next day, and the next day. In fact he hit six homers in seven games and became the hottest topic of spring training. I knew of his Christian faith. Before leaving for spring training in Arizona, I had decided to interview him for Face to Face. When I got to the Padres camp, I thought he would be surrounded by reporters, but he was easily accessible before their early morning workouts and anxious to be able to share his love of Christ. In fact, he said if I could stay till his morning workouts were done, he would give me all the time I needed. Later that morning, over a picnic table set up for the players, we had a great talk.
Gavin comes from a strong Christian home. His dad, Larry, was a major leaguer and has helped his son with not only his baseball talent, but also what it means to know Christ.
“The biggest thing he taught me was about my identity,” he said. “It’s not in baseball. It’s what I do. It’s what I love, but my identity is in Christ.”
Gavin accepted Christ at a young age, and he admits baseball became foremost in his life. Christ was still important. There was church every week, he started a Bible study in high school and was heavily involved in the Christian group, Athletes in Action, during his college career at Wake Forest University.
He was a second-round draft pick by the White Sox in 2017, and he admits he put baseball on a pedestal. His first two years in the minors were very good but then came COVID. In 2020, the minor leagues were shut down and it was a wakeup call.
“ I was frustrated. I had a plan for my life. But God spoke to me during that time. Getting my relationship back, getting my priorities straight, putting God first, trusting in his plan. That was huge for me.” Gavin continues to do well. In the Padres’ opening game of the regular season, he came off the bench as a pinch hitter and hit a home run. We continue to stay in touch.
My week in Arizona was terrific. I had a chance to spend quality time with some athlete friends and be a part of the Calling for Christ Bible Study organized by former major league umpire, Ted Barrett. I have been involved in this ministry for many years. During the season, when umpires from the Bible study come into either Louisville or Indy, I take them to lunch, pray with them, and encourage them in whatever way I can. They are always happy to see a friendly face. I also text many of them regularly.
Thank you so much for continuing to support Face to Face through your prayers and gifts. I will continue to share with you uplifting stories from the people I meet in the sports world who share the love of Christ.
In His Name,
Tom Rust
