Posted: 9/02/05
Twins' Ford relies on commitment to Christ
By George Henson
Staff Writer
Lew Ford's stint at Dallas Baptist University prepared him for more than life as a Major League Baseball player; it was the beginning of his spiritual journey.
“It all started at DBU,” he said. “I started seeing God active in all the activities, from our baseball team to the classroom.”
He played for DBU's Patriots in 1998 and 1999 and left to play minor league baseball. He completed his degree in 2004.
| Lew Ford of the Minnesota Twins credits Dallas Baptist University-where he met future wife, Cori, with deeply impacting his life. (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Twins) |
Ford, a Minnesota Twins outfielder, played in 154 games last year with a .299 batting average. This year, his numbers are down a bit, but he remains a key contributor on a team still competing for the American League wildcard playoff spot.
It was also while at the school that he met his future wife, Corri. She invited him to go to church with her, and he “became more receptive to learning about Christ,” he said.
About a month after he began attending church, he went to San Antonio to meet her grandmother. During their visit, he began asking questions about how to know Christ as Savior, and she led him to a profession of faith.
That commitment to Christ has served him well as a baseball player, Ford said.
“There are times you get into situations you don't want to get into, and you start to feel uncomfortable. That's the Holy Spirit telling you it's time to leave,” he said.
The language used on the baseball field at times can also make a Christian feel uncomfortable, but it's not as bad as some people might think, he added.
Major League Baseball includes many Christian ball players, who prove it is possible to be a stellar athlete and a Christian, Ford said.
“I've heard that a Christian guy isn't going to have the same intensity as a non-Christian, and I don't understand that. I don't even know where that comes from unless it is that you're not out there cussing or something,” he said.
Being a professional baseball player has given him a platform from which to share his faith, he added.
“Jesus said to go and tell other people, and there are so many opportunities for me to do that since I play professional baseball that I wouldn't have otherwise,” Ford explained.
He has spoken at four or five Fellowship of Christian Athletes events and has a few more scheduled after the season is over–quite an accomplishment for someone who says he is much more comfortable standing at home plate than behind a lectern.
“I'm a very shy guy as far as talking in front of people goes, but God knows that, and I just put my trust in him,” Ford said. “I take all the opportunities that God has given me to share about him.”
One thing that helps, Ford said, is that he is not the only Christian on his team. First baseman Matthew LeCroy is a strong Christian and a good friend, he said.
Ford's wife and sons, Jake, 6, and Jordan, 4, also live in whatever city he does. That's unusual for a baseball player, but he insists it's an important part of staying grounded, along with participation in Bible study.
“I like to grow in the word of God. I'm pretty young in my spiritual life. I'm taking discipleship courses in order to be a better disciple and hope to have the opportunity one day to disciple a teammate,” he said. “I just want to be open to whatever God has for me.”
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