Bradenton Marauders offer various ways for players to practice faith
BRADENTON -- Whether he's at McKechnie Field or another park around the state, Bradenton Marauders pitcher Austin Coley says a prayer before he reaches the mound each inning.
"It provides me comfort in knowing that whatever happens is in His plan for me going forward," Coley said.
Teammate Chase Simpson said he had the light bulb go off during his redshirt junior college season before being drafted.
They are two of several Marauders who are religious professional baseball players.
Coley is a Southern Baptist, while Simpson was raised Southern Baptist but said he's now a nondenominational Christian.
"It's the person that I am," Coley said. "Baseball is just a part of that. It's kind of like the foundation of what I'm built on. So when I walk out on to the field, for me, I have something bigger to be playing for. I feel like I have an advantage in that way, because I'm not really playing for myself. I'm playing for the glory of God, playing for His name to be exalted."
The nature of baseball, with few off days sprinkled in during a long season, makes it difficult to find the time to attend services.
Within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, faith-based player needs are recognized in various ways.
There's a chapel service for those that are interested.
In addition, when former Gator great Tim Tebow arrived in Bradenton to speak at Bayside Community Church this year, the event was streamed to Pirate City.
"They do extra stuff for believers and trying to get people to believe, so I feel really blessed in that sense, too," Coley said.
Coley and Simpson don't force their beliefs on others in the clubhouse. Yet, they aren't alone in their Christian faith.
Pitcher Brandon Waddell, catcher Taylor Gush
ue and third baseman Connor Joe are faith-based, too, Coley said.
Last year, Coley said he had a strong bond with Jake Burnette, who is still with the West Virginia Power, a Pirates Class A affiliate in Charleston, and shared a similar faith.
"It's just great to have that person next to me that's living the same life I am in a world that a lot of times isn't too godly," Coley said.
To stay on the right path, Coley and others read the Bible and discuss things with each other, while leading by example.
"It's something that's getting away from society a little bit in my eyes, but the ones who can keep it going as best as they can are important to me," Simpson said.
Simpson said he tries to help those around him when such guidance is sought through reading and scripture.
Lately, his favorite Bible passage has become Psalms 118:24, which Simpson said is about being happy every day.
That applies to baseball, a game steeped in failure -- hitters who are successful only 30 percent of the time are among the best.
It really resonated in 2014 when Simpson played college ball at Wichita State.
"I felt Him coming to my heart," Simpson said. "It's hard to explain. I really can't explain it. It was like a light bulb went off. Again, it's something I can't really put into words, but it felt amazing."
Later that year, Pittsburgh drafted Simpson in the 14th round.
"It just made me more appreciative of the whole process, instead of trying to wish something better or worse would happen," Simpson said.
Jason Dill, sports reporter, can be reached at 745-7017 or via email at jdill@bradenton.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jason__Dill and like his Facebook page at Jason Dill Bradenton Herald.
This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton Marauders offer various ways for players to practice faith ."