Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game: Recent Episodes
Scott Linebrink
Hosted by former Major League pitcher Scott Linebrink, Get in the Game is a podcast focused on serving others as God has called us to serve.
This show will feature conversations with colleagues and friends from inside and outside the professional sports arena, sharing their unique insight on what faith in action looks like.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. For stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com
Roy Helu Jr. played five years in the National Football League as a running back, spending four years with the Washington Redskins and one with the Oakland Raiders.
Prior to being drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Helu Jr., was a standout at the University of Nebraska, where he set the single-game rushing record with 307 yards and three touchdowns against the University of Missouri in 2010.
He retired following the 2015 season and went into seminary, and now he serves as lead pastor of Citylight Bennington Church in Elkhorn, Nebraska. In this episode of "Get in the Game," he reflects with Scott Linebrink on his football career, the people responsible for leading him to Christ and how an opportunity to share his story in front of an audience ultimately led to his post-playing career as a pastor.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Tyler Clutts – Former NFL Player
— Matt Forte – Former NFL Player
— Jason Hanson – Former NFL Kicker
Leah Amico won three-time Olympic gold medals with the Team USA softball team as well as three national championships at the University of Arizona. She was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame in 2009.
In her post-softball life, she's worked as a college softball analyst for ESPN and Westwood One, embarked on a professional and inspirational speaking career, begun hosting the Gold Standard Podcast and authored several devotionals and a book entitled "The Gold Standard: 14 Ways to Live a Life of Excellence."
She joins "Get in the Game" this week to reflect on her softball career, how she attacks fear, what has led her to have success in various arenas and how her faith in God is at the center of it all.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Billie Jauss – Author & Speaker
— Leslee Holliday – MLB Wife/Mom & Podcaster
— Donna Stuart – Musician & Creator
This week's installment of "Get in the Game" features both the youngest guests and the most amount of guests on an episode of the show. While chaperoning his daughter's eighth grade class trip to Washington, D.C., Scott Linebrink spoke with a group of eighth grade boys from Zion Lutheran School in Texas about what they learned about service while touring the nation's capital.
The boys also took turns interviewing Scott about his major league career, what service means to him and how he's dealt with the struggles he's endured in life and his career.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Scott Linebrink’s reflections on serving
— Water Mission roundtable with former MLB players
— Brandon Puffer – Former MLB Player
Billie Jauss is an author, speaker and podcaster who has penned several faith-focused books. The wife of longtime professional baseball coach Dave Jauss, she uses the illustration of the game of baseball to explore life and friendships in her latest book "Baseball Family: The 9 Core Qualities for Developing Healthy Relationships." As life in professional baseball can be unpredictable, where at times those in the game have little say in where they live or who they work with, the book explores how to build community and strengthen relationships no matter the setting God puts someone.
She joins former big leaguer Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" this week to share about her new book and the four distinct relationships we encounter daily and the nine core qualities that strengthen each type of relationship.
In addition to writing and speaking, she hosts the "start small Believe Big" podcast and "The Family Room" podcast.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Leslee Holliday – MLB Wife/Mom & Podcaster
— Donna Stuart – Musician & Creator
— Duck Dynasty’s Korie Robertson
Jeff Francoeur played 12 seasons in the major leagues, spending six of those years with the Atlanta Braves, where he won a Gold Glove Award in 2007. Now in retirement, he works as a Braves analyst for Bally Sports and also co-hosts a podcast called Pure Athlete that covers a variety of topics including the intersection of faith and sports.
He joins Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" this week, and in this conversation he talks about his faith journey, his baseball career, how to deal with failure and the importance of humility and adaptability in leadership. He also shares the story of how former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson was instrumental in leading him to giving his life to Christ.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Shawn Boskie – Entrepreneur & Former MLB Pitcher
— Chris Burke – Former MLB Player
— Steven Souza Jr. – Former Pro Baseball Player
Shawn Boskie played nine seasons in the major leagues, spending the majority of those with the Chicago Cubs, who drafted him in the first round of the 1986 MLB Draft. Though he enjoyed a lengthy career, baseball is just one part of his life story. He's spent his time after baseball working with the non-profit legal advocacy organization Alliance Defending Freedom before joining Pure Flix Entertainment as Vice President of Investor Relations.
He joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to reflect on his baseball career and how he found faith in God during it as well as how his post-baseball work in different avenues has allowed him to affect the lives of others and share his faith.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Chris Burke – Former MLB Player
— Dave Dravecky – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Josh Lindblom – Former Pro Baseball Player
After winning the national championship in 2021, Baylor men's basketball will look to add another banner to the rafters this year. One the key players who could help the Bears do that is forward Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua.
A soccer player by nature growing up in the African nation of Cameroon, he didn't start playing basketball until the age of 16, doing so with a soccer ball and a makeshift basketball goal. He was later invited to a Basketball Without Borders Camp in Angola and was awarded a scholarship to the NBA Global Academy.
He moved to Australia in his later teen years to pursue a basketball career, which he parlayed into a college scholarship in the United States. He began his college career at UNLV, but after a coaching change he found his way to play for Scott Drew at Baylor, where he helped deliver Baylor's first national championship.
In 2022, he was named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year. But also in 2022, he suffered a serious leg injury in a game against Texas that has shaped much of who he is as a player and a person.
"It really taught me how life is really just a cumulation of ups and downs when we really focus on the earthly things," he said on this week's episode of "Get in the Game." "I had to realize that my identity wasn't tied to basketball."
In this episode, he shares his story of moving around to different countries during his upbringing, how his faith in God was formed and how it's at the center of who he is as a man and a basketball player.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Homer, Scott & Bryce Drew – College Basketball Coaches
— Chris Burke – Former MLB Player
— Josh Lindblom – Former Pro Baseball Player
Chris Burke played six seasons in the major leagues, the majority of which were spent with the Houston Astros. In his second season, he delivered arguably one of the most memorable moments in Astros history — a walk-off home run in the 18th inning of Game 4 of the 2005 National League Division Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves and sending the Astros to the National League Championship Series. The Astros defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS and reached the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
He spent the final two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, then had brief stints with the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds on minor league contracts before deciding to retire. It was in the final chapter of his career when he developed a heart for coaching and mentoring, and he did so for a number of years at the youth level. He now works as a college baseball analyst for the SEC Network and co-hosts the "Coach Me Up" Podcast with ESPN college basketball analyst and former coach Jimmy Dykes.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— Trevor Rosenthal – MLB Pitcher
— Josh Lindblom – Former Pro Baseball Player
— Geoff Blum – Former Major Leaguer
Leslee Holliday is the wife of former major league All-Star Matt Holliday and is on staff with Professional Athletes Outreach and The Increase Women. She and Matt also cohosted the "Table Forty Podcast," which was part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
She joins "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink this week to talk about marriage, parenthood, serving and raising children, as well as navigating a career in professional baseball as the spouse of an athlete. She also shares about her family's heart for being welcoming and inviting and what it's been like seeing her oldest son, Jackson, start his professional baseball career and get married.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Donna Stuart – Musician & Creator
— Katy Temple – Former Sports Broadcaster
— Sarah March – Chicago Red Stars Chaplain
Trevor Rosenthal has played eight seasons in the major leagues, making a name as one of the better relief pitchers thanks to his fastball, which at times has reached 100 miles per hour.
He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and made his MLB debut in 2012. He quickly cemented himself as the team's closer, racking up 45 saves in 2014 then a franchise-record 48 saves in 2015. Injuries crept in toward the end of his time in St. Louis, and it's been something he's battled since.
After missing the 2018, he spent time between the Washington Nationals and Detroit Tigers in 2019, then spent the pandemic-shortened 2020 season between the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres. Since then, he's been a part of the Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers and again the Tigers organizations, but injuries have prevented him from seeing the field in major league action.
Now a free agent, he's hoping to return to the field healthy and pitch like h's been capable of in the past. He joins Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" this week to talk about the highs and lows of his career and how his faith in God has grown through it.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
— Matt Holliday – Former St. Louis Cardinals Player
— Kyle McClellan – Former MLB Pitcher
Donna Stuart is a musician and creator based in the nation's capital, where she and her husband Ben planted Passion City Church Washington, D.C. Born and raised in Texas, Donna and Ben served as college ministers from 2005-2016. Donna also writes and performs worship music.
While Donna may be best known as a creator for her music, she also wrote and illustrated a book called "Growing," a that she hopes "stirs hope for the season you are in and the one to come."
She joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to share her journey of becoming a musician and using her creative gifts for God's kingdom.
"I enjoy creating so much," she writes on her website. "I believe we were all created to create! We were made in the image of The Creator! My hope is that everything I create stirs hope and gratitude, love, peace & creativity in you."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Duck Dynasty’s Korie Robertson
— Katy Temple – Former Sports Broadcaster
— Jade McCarthy – Sports Broadcaster & Podcast Host
Josh Lindblom played seven seasons in the major leagues, but he credits a lot of his development as a player and a man to his time pitching in the Korean Baseball Organization. After being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft, he made stops with several major league teams.
But he found immense success during his five seasons in the KBO. In 2019, he won the league's Most Valuable Player award and helped his Doosan Bears team win a Korean Series championship in 2019. In 2018 and 2019, he won the Choi Dong-won Award, the KBO's equivalent to the Cy Young Award, given to the league's best pitcher.
Following his final stint in the KBO, where he proved to be one of the league's best players, he returned the major leagues to finish his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. He joins "Get in the Game" this week to talk about the highs and lows of his career, what led him to make the tough decision to play in the KBO and what he learned about God through all the changes of scenery in his career.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— Steven Souza Jr. – Former Pro Baseball Player
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
In March 2021, Scott Linebrink launched "Get in the Game" with a focus on serving and helping listeners develop a heart for serving — a trait that is essential to living a life fully devoted to God. Since that launch, countless guests across professional sports, music, military branches and other sectors have shared stories of what serving others means to them the impact it can have.
This week, Scott takes some time to reflect on the conversations over the past few years and the stories we've heard about lives that have been changed through service, for both those serving and being served.
"When I start to understand who God is through His amazing love for me, I start to understand who I am and what He designed me to do," Scott says. "There's no way that you can figure out what it is you're supposed to do until you understand who you are or, more importantly, whose you are."
As you listen, reflect on what it means to you to serve others. What are ways you can serve others in your community?
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Water Mission roundtable with former MLB players
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
— Mauricio Dubón – Houston Astros Utilityman
Steven Souza Jr. played eight seasons in the major leagues between the Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners. He joins "Get in the Game" this week to reflect on the ups and downs of his career and how he accepted Christ after some struggles on and off the field early in his career.
He shares about how he broke some rules at times, and one such instance in the minor leagues led him to want to quit baseball. But he says it was some of those moments that ultimately shaped who he became as a player and a person.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
— Jason Adam – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
Sarah March serves as the team chaplain for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League, the top professional women's soccer league in the U.S.
In this episode of "Get in the Game," she shares about her walk with Jesus, how it grew during her time playing soccer at Wheaton College, and what led to her entering the chaplaincy program with the Red Stars.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Duck Dynasty’s Korie Robertson
— Katy Temple – Former Sports Broadcaster
— Jade McCarthy – Sports Broadcaster & Podcast Host
Over an 18-year career with the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, Trevor Hoffman cemented his place as one of the best pitchers ever to close out games. His 601 saves are second all-time and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
He was selected to seven All-Star Games, won the National League Relief Man Award twice and was the NL leader in saves in 1998 and 2006. He and Scott Linebrink were teammates in San Diego, and he returns to "Get in the Game" to catch up and reminisce on his career and what made him successful.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
— Mauricio Dubón – Houston Astros Utilityman
— Sean Casey – Former MLB Player
For 11 seasons spanning from 2012-2017, the Korie Robertson and her family welcomed the world into their home and their lives through the hit television show, "Duck Dynasty." It allowed people to see their unique way of living, how important family truly is to them and the role their faith in God plays in their lives.
Since the show went off the air, the Robertson family has continued to use their platform for positive change and to share the gospel. Korie is the author of two books, and most recently the family produced its first film, "The Blind," which hit theaters on Sept. 28. Korie joins "Get in the Game" this week to talk about her experience being on television, what life has been like since the show, dealing with pressures of fame and how God is using them to reach others.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jade McCarthy – Sports Broadcaster & Podcast Host
— Homer, Scott & Bryce Drew – College Basketball Coaches
— Katy Temple – Former Sports Broadcaster
This week on "Get in the Game," you'll get to head straight into the mission field. Scott Linebrink recently went to Chiapas, Mexico for a vision trip with Water Mission. He was accompanied by former major league baseball players Jaime Garcia, Joakim Soria, Mark Melancon and Bruce Chen, as well as Morgan Chalk of Ronald Blue Trust and his friend, Ryan Sweezy.
In this roundtable discussion, you'll hear different perspectives on what it means to build safe water projects in communities that desperately need them. All of these men lead with their faith in God out front and have a heart for serving those who are underserved. As Garcia says, "we're bringing safe drinking water, but we're (also) bringing the living water."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – Legendary Cardinals Pitcher
— Mauricio Dubón – Houston Astros Shortstop
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
Last time on "Get in the Game," Houston Astros infielder Mauricio Dubón shared about how Water Mission and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright together made a life-changing difference in his community when they established a clean water project near his town in Honduras. Earlier this season, Dubón shared that story with Wainwright following a Cardinals vs. Astros games, and Wainwright was blown away.
This week, Wainwright joins the show to share his side of the story and catch up with Scott Linebrink, someone who he credits for making a major difference in his own life. The 2023 season was Wainwright last in what has been storied career in major league baseball, and the story of how he made an impact in Honduras was shared during his retirement ceremony at Busch Stadium.
In response, the Cardinals and the Cardinals Care Foundation donated $100,000 to build a safe water project in Honduras near the town where Dubón is from, further investing in that community.
Linebrink was invited to be on the field with Wainwright during his ceremony and spoke with him for the podcast while there. In this episode, Wainwright reflects on his 18-year career and how his faith in God shaped what he did on and off the field.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Mauricio Dubón – Houston Astros Shortstop
— Paul Goldschmidt – St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman
— Kyle Gibson – Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
Almost a decade ago, Scott Linebrink took a trip to Honduras with Water Mission. Joined by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and Don Christensen of Ronald Blue Trust, the group was there to establish clean water resources for a country where they are scarce.
Little did he knew that living in a nearby community was future major league player Mauricio Dubón, now with the Houston Astros. A fews after that trip, Dubón left Honduras to pursue his MLB career. Growing up, he had felt the effects of unclean drinking water, experiencing occasional illness because of it. Now an established big league player and a member of the Astros' 2022 World Series championship team, he caught wind of the trip that Linebrink and Wainwright took to help bring clean water to his community, and earlier this season he got to thank Wainwright in person for his efforts.
He joins "Get in the Game" this week to reflect with Linebrink about his road to the major leagues as well as his encounter with Wainwright and how much it meant to him. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, with Wainwright rejoining the show next to share his version of the story and how much it impacted him.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Mark Teixeira – Former MLB All-Star
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
One of the most successful hitters of his era, Mark Teixeira played 14 years in the major leagues where he racked up numerous awards and honors and won a World Series in 2009 with the New York Yankees. After starring at Georgia Tech University, Teixeira was drafted No. 5 overall in 2021 by the Texas Rangers, where he played from 2003-2007. After brief stints with the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Angels, he finished his career with eight years as a member of the Yankees. He was selected to the All-Star Game three times, won five Gold Glove Awards, three Silver Slugger Awards and was both the American League home run and runs batted in leader in 2009. After retiring in 2016, he's focused on spending time with his family in Austin, Texas. He joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to talk about life after baseball, his charitable efforts that he started during his career and is continuing still, and how his relationship with God is at the center of what he does.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jeremy Affeldt – Former MLB Pitcher
— Chris Davis – Former MLB All-Star
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
Tyler Clutts played five seasons in the National Football League, spending three of those with the Dallas Cowboys. He also played for the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and the Miami Dolphins, as well as spending some time in the Canadian Football League. After starring on the defensive side of the ball in college at Fresno State, he made his mark in the NFL as a fullback.
Now retired, he's passionate about sharing about the work God is doing in his life. He joins "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink this week to talk about his NFL career and his heart for serving now in his post-playing days.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jeremy Affeldt – Former MLB Pitcher
— Matt Forte – Former NFL Player
— Jason Hanson – Former NFL Kicker
Jeremy Affeldt played 14 seasons in the majors with four organizations: the Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants. His longest stint came with the Giants, where he spent seven seasons and was a member of three World Series championship teams.
He joins "Get in the Game" this week to talk with Scott Linebrink about the ups and downs of his baseball career, what it means to have character and integrity, the ways he's used his platform to serve others and the ways he's pouring into men in his post-playing life to lead them on a walk with Christ. He also talks about following his dream and how God worked in providing the path for him to get there.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Chris Davis – Former MLB All-Star
— Cody Allen – Former MLB Pitcher
— Brandon Puffer – Former MLB Player
Chris Davis played 13 seasons in the major leagues, most of which were spent with the Baltimore Orioles. Before retiring in 2021, Davis was one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. He finished his career with 295 career home runs and 780 RBIs, highlighted by a 2013 campaign in which he clubbed a league-high 53 home runs and 138 RBIs. That season he was named an American League All-Star.
He and his wife, Jill, are heavily involved in various charitable efforts, and this week he joins Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" to talk about his career and his walk with Jesus.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Cody Allen – Former MLB Pitcher
— Paul Goldschmidt – St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman
— Caleb Joseph – Former MLB Player
When it comes to the Drews, basketball is in their blood. You’d be hard-pressed to find a family with more years of coaching experience than Homer Drew and his sons, Scott and Bryce.
Homer coached for 41 years at a number of schools, including a long stint at Valparaiso University from 1988-2011, aside from the 2002-03 season when Scott served as head coach. It was there that, in 1998, Homer led the 13th-seeded Crusaders to their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance, a run that included one of the signature moments in NCAA Tournament history when Bryce hit a buzzer-beater to knock off fourth-seeded Ole Miss in the opening round.
Scott spent nine seasons as an assistant at Valparaiso before taking over as head coach and winning the regular-season conference title. He then took over as head coach of Baylor University, where he won the 2021 NCAA championship and has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year three times.
Homer came out of retirement to return as head coach at Valparaiso until he handed over the job to Bryce in 2011. Bryce remained in that job until becoming the head coach at Vanderbilt University in 2016. He now serves as the head coach at Grand Canyon University, where in 2021 he guided the program to its first Western Athletic Conference regular season and conference championships, and thus its first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Faith has guided all three of them in their coaching careers, and their relationship with Scott Linebrink goes back to the days at Valparaiso. They join Scott this week on “Get in the Game” to reflect on their careers, the joy they get in coaching, and how they try to reflect God in their careers.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Cody Allen – Former MLB Pitcher
— Tyler Toney & Garrett Hilbert – Dude Perfect
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
Cody Allen played eight years in the major leagues, all but one of them in Cleveland. He spent the bulk of that time as the closer, locking down wins for a Cleveland team that played in the 2016 World Series. His season-high for saves came in 2015 when he racked up 34 and he had two other seasons with 30 or more saves.
Aside from helping his team win games, he was also passionate about living out his faith in the clubhouse and on the field. He joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to reflect on the highs and lows of his career and how faith helped him keep a positive perspective on what can be a results-oriented profession full of pressure.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— Jason Adam – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
You've seen their incredible trick shot videos. You probably even tried to recreate some of them yourself. Over the last decade, Dude Perfect has become an internet sensation. Each new video either challenges a world record or showcases the guys doing some seemingly impossible things.
The best part about it, though, is that it's all wholesome content, and at the center of everything they do is a heart to share the Gospel. Tyler Toney and Garrett Hilbert join Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to talk about the origin of Dude Perfect and how it evolved to the media empire it is today. Somewhere in the middle, though, the guys made a decision to share the Gospel following an event, and that changed the course of everything they do.
Tyler and Garrett, who along with Cory and Coby Cotton and Cody Jones make up Dude Perfect, share about what this platform means to them and how they hope to steward it well.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— Brian Hommel – Arizona Diamondbacks Chaplain
— John Rinehart – ‘Gospel Patrons’ Author
— Granger Smith – Country Music Artist
After a four-year minor league baseball career, Brian Hommel has turned his attention in the game of baseball to ministering to athletes. He serves as the team chaplain for the Arizona Diamondbacks and is on staff at Unlimited Potential, Inc., an organization made up of former baseball players working to spread the gospel within the game.
He joins "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink this week to discuss identity and how we find our identity in Christ.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— John Rinehart – ‘Gospel Patrons’ Author
— Mickey Weston – Chicago White Sox Chaplain
— Ted Barrett – Former MLB Umpire
With a background in business and a theology degree, John Rinehart combined two of his areas of expertise to found Gospel Patrons and write a book under the same name.
At 25 years old, John Rinehart's business career was booming, but he felt his heart being called to something more. So he left the business world to attend seminary with the eventual goal of entering into ministry. Shortly after, he and his wife Renee decided take a 132-day trip around the world.
They met and worshipped with other Christians along the way. One of those people was a British businessman who offered some sage advice.
"Behind every great movement of God, generous business leaders have partnered with those who proclaim the gospel," he said. "God raises up people to proclaim the gospel, but he also raises up patrons to support them."
That planted the seed for what eventually became his new venture, Gospel Patrons, and he later published a book under the same name. This week, Rinehart joins Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" to discuss what it means to be a Gospel Patron and where his heart for the book came from.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
— Katy Temple – Former Sports Broadcaster
— Mike Wilson – myLIFEspeaks Founder
Paul Goldschmidt is one of the best players in the major leagues. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player has been selected to seven All-Star Games, won five Silver Slugger Awards, four Gold Glove Awards. He's also a two-time Hank Aaron Award winner, given annually to the top hitter in both the National League and American League. He represented Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in both 2023 and 2017.
After starting his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he's now with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was part of the 2022 NL Central division championship team. He's one of the leaders of the team, especially when it comes to living out his faith in Jesus. He joins Scott Linebrink this week on Get in the Game to reflect on his career, his accomplishments on the field and how his faith has grown throughout his time in the big leagues.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Mickey Weston – Chicago White Sox Chaplain
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop
For the past nine years, Mickey Weston has served as the executive director of Unlimited Potential Incorporated, a professional baseball-focused organization organization that prioritizes discipleship, leading Bible studies and introducing athletes to mission opportunities. Weston has been on UPI's staff for over 25 years and he also serves as the team chaplain for the Chicago White Sox.
He played five years in the major leagues, spending time with the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. joins "Get in the Game" this to chat with Scott Linebrink about baseball and discipleship.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Ted Barrett – Former MLB Umpire
— Trey Hillman – Former Pro Baseball Coach
— Terry Evans – Atlanta Braves Chaplain
Ted Barrett spent nearly 30 years umpiring Major League Baseball games before retiring following the 2022 season. He became one of the most accomplished and most respect umpires in baseball, working five World Series, three World Baseball Classics and two All-Star Games.
He has a master's degree in Biblical Studies and is spending his retirement in ministry, working with Unlimited Potential Incorporated serving as a chaplain for umpires. He developed a good relationship with "Get in the Game" host Scott Linebrink while Scott pitched in the major leagues, and this week on the show they reminisce on some baseball memories as well as talk about Barrett's ministry and heart for service.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Trey Hillman – Former Pro Baseball Coach
— Yan Gomes – MLB Catcher
— Juan Pierre – Former MLB Player
Trey Hillman has nearly 40 years of experience in professional baseball across the major leagues and the top leagues in Japan and Korea. He managed the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Nippon Professional Baseball League and won the 2006 Japan Series, then managed the SK Wyverns of the KBO League to the Korean Series championship. In the middle of all of that, he held a number of assistant and bench coach positions and also served as manager of the Kansas City Royals from 2008-2010.
He's a man of faith and has a heart of service. He connects with Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to talk about his career, what service means to him and how his faith is the backbone of all he does.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
Matt Forte played 10 seasons in the National Football League, eight of which with the Chicago Bears. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, he was one of best running backs in the league during his career and racked up over 2,300 rushing yards in his 10 seasons.
After finishing his career with the New York Jets, he returned to Chicago, where he lives now, and has continued serving the community and being a representative of the Gospel. He joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to talk about his career, his faith in God and his heart for serving others, especially the youth.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jason Hanson – Former NFL Kicker
— Mark Herzlich – Former NFL Player
— Justin Forsett – Former NFL Player
Brett Phillips is a six-year veteran of major league baseball, spending time with the Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles. In January he signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
That contract was a major blessing, as he shares in this week's episode of "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink. After being released by the Rays last year, struggling with Orioles and being designated for assignment, Phillips was searching for answers why he couldn't find success at the plate. He struggled in the minor leagues, even, until a private hitting coach helped him unlock some new ideas. He's now confident and ready to see what God has in store for him with the Angels.
In this conversation, he shares what he learned through those struggles and what his relationship with God looked like during that stretch. He also talks about his heart for service and missions work.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Yan Gomes – MLB Catcher
— Jason Adam – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
— J.T. Chargois – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
Jason Hanson spent his entire 21-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, which is the record for most seasons played with one team. A second round pick in the 1992 NFL Draft, Hanson cemented himself as one of the best kickers of all-time and one of the most-loved players in Lions history. His 2,150 career points all fourth all-time.
He joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to reflect on his career, how building good habits and routines led to sustained success and how his faith and heart for service factored into his career.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED STORIES:
— Mark Herzlich – Former NFL Player
— Justin Forsett – Former NFL Player
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
Katy Temple is an Emmy Award-Winning sports broadcaster with over 25 years of experience in media. She spent a number of years covering major league baseball, which is where she and Get in the Game host Scott Linebrink crossed paths. She's now a media coach where she works with executives, founders and professional athletes to find their authentic voice and make them camera ready.
In this conversation, she and Scott talk about the art of storytelling and the need for stories and they reflect on their time in professional sports. They also discuss the importance of giving back to communities.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Yan Gomes – MLB Catcher
— Geoff Blum – Former Major Leaguer
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
Yan Gomes has the unique distinction of being the first Brazilian-born major league player. He moved to the United States when he was in fifth grade, living in Miami until he left to play baseball at the University of Tennessee. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB Draft and has put together an 11-year major league career, currently with the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics prior to that.
After making his major league debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012, he spent the next six seasons in Cleveland and made the All-Star team in 2018, his final season with the club. He spent the next two-and-a-half seasons with the Washington Nationals, where he was a member of the 2019 World Series championship team.
This week on "Get in the Game," he talks with Scott Linebrink he talks about his baseball career and leading by faith in the clubhouse.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Granger Smith – Country Music Artist
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
Granger Smith is an award-winning country music artist and radio host from Dallas, Texas. He's released 11 studio albums, one live album and two EPs. He earned his first number one hit in 2016 with "Backroad Song," and "If the Boot Fit" became a top 10 hit in 2017.
He and his wife, Amber, have three sons and one daughter. Together, they started The River Kelly Fund in honor of their son River Kelly Smith, who passed away in 2019 in a drowning accident at their home. This week on "Get in the Game," he talks with Scott Linebrink about the growth of his music career, the hardships he's faced along the way and those experiences have helped him connect with fans who have had similar experiences. He also shares his heart for service and how he feels fulfilled when he's able to serve others.
At the center of it all is his faith in God.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Matt Holliday – St. Louis Cardinals Bench Coach
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
Matt Holliday played 15 seasons in the major leagues, seven of which he was named an All-Star. He was a member of the 2011 World Series championship St. Louis Cardinals team and this summer was inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame. After serving as a volunteer assistant coach for his brother Josh's Oklahoma State University baseball team, Holliday recently accepted his first major league coaching job as the bench coach in St. Louis under manager Oli Marmol.
Along with his wife, Leslee, Matt co-hosts the Table Forty Podcast, which is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. His son, Jackson, was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. He and Leslee have two other sons, Ethan and Reid, and a daughter, Gracyn.
Matt has a heart for coaching and serving others, and much of his efforts have come in a voluntary role, whether it's at OSU, helping major leaguers find their swinging stroke or working with his children and other youth baseball players. In this episode of Get in the Game, talks about his love for baseball, coaching and leadership and how his faith in God leads him in it all.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— Jason Adam – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Jason Adam just finished his fifth season in the major leagues, the most recent of which he spent with the Tampa Bay Rays. A native of Overland Park, Kansas, he was drafted by the nearby Kansas City Royals in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Since then, he has bounced around between the Minnesota Twins and the San Diego Padres organizations before rejoining the Royals, where he made his major league debut in 2018. He and wife, Kelsey, have three children.
In this conversation, Jason shares the journey he's been on with injuries, specifically the dislocation of his ankle that almost ended his career. Also, this past season, Jason and several teammates chose not to wear a patch on their jerseys during Rays Pride Night. He and his teammates received a lot of blowback from the LGBTQ community, but Jason shares how he took intentional efforts to hear their side and let them know they were loved.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Brandon Puffer – Former MLB Player
— J.T. Chargois – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
Brandon Puffer is a former professional baseball pitcher. After being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 27th round in 1994, he bounced around the minor leagues with the Angels, Reds and Rockies before making his major league debut with the Astros on April 17, 2002. He later played with the Padres and Giants.
His baseball career came to an end in 2008 when he was arrested for burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a felony. He was found guilty in 2009 and sentenced to five years in prison, but made parole in 2011 after more than three years in prison. It was during this time that he fully committed his life to Christ. He is back in baseball as the co-founder of GPS Texas Baseball, where he is a pitching instructor and coach.
He shares his story of shame and redemption this week with his friend and former teammate Scott Linebrink.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Caleb Joseph – Former MLB Player
— Jim Thome – Hall of Fame First Baseman
— Juan Pierre – Former MLB Player
Jade McCarthy is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and the host of “Transformed with Jade McCarthy,” which is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
McCarthy is an ESPN alum who hosted the network’s flagship show, “SportsCenter.” She also reported feature stories for “NFL Sunday Countdown” and hosted a variety of other shows for the network. More importantly, though, Jade is a wife and a mother, and she joins Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" to talk about how her faith has guided her in both her career and raising her family.
She also talks about her heart for service and what that looks like for the Christian walk.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Nate Prosser – Former NHL Player
— George Greene III – Water Mission Co-Founder
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
Nate Prosser played 10 years in the NHL, spending time with the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. He played multiple sports growing up in Elk River, Minnesota, before ultimately deciding to stick with hockey.
He joins Scott Linebrink on "Get in the Game" this week to talk about his career in the NHL and how he made it his mission to be a "vessel" for Christ both on and off the ice. He also talks about his heart for service and how his faith guides him in all that he does.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— George Greene III – Water Mission Co-Founder
— Brad Henderson – Pittsburgh Pirates & Penguins Team Chaplain
— David Backes – Former NHL Player
George Greene III is the co-founder and executive chair of Water Mission, a nonprofit organization that fights to solve the global water crisis that impacts 2.2 billion people. In 1998, George and his wife Molly were operating an environmental engineering company in Charleston, South Carolina when they heard about the devastation in Honduras caused by Hurricane Mitch.
After receiving a request for multiple water treatment systems in Honduras, and being unable to find existing systems that would work, George and his team of engineers took action to build such a system. With that, the idea for Water Missions International was born. Now, Water Mission provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions in 57 countries and have over 400 staff members working around the world in permanent country programs.
Greene joins "Get in the Game" to discuss his faith and the story of Water Mission with Scott Linebrink who, in addition to hosting the podcast, also serves as the partnerships director for Water Mission.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Connor Lowery – Financial Advisor, Ronald Blue Trust
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
— Bruce Chen – Former MLB Pitcher
Connor Lowery is a financial advisor for the Professional Athlete Division of Ronald Blue Trust. He assists athletes in managing their wealth, giving generously and managing their financial resources wisely. He serves athletes and their families, helping them navigate the financial, marital, and personal pitfalls that athletes face today.
A former quarterback at Samford Univeristy, Connor uses his sports background to approach his role as a financial planner. In this week's episode of "Get in the Game," he talks with Scott Linebrink about how Christians can responsibly manages their finances to take care of their families while making sure they steward their money well to help serve others.
The first step is recognizing where our money comes from, he said.
"The first principle we have to address is recognizing that God owns it all," Lowery said.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Caleb Joseph – Former MLB Player
— Randy Alcorn – Renowned Author & Speaker
— Juan Pierre – Former MLB Player
Caleb Joseph played seven seasons in the major leagues, including five with the Baltimore Orioles and one each with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays. He now works as a television analyst for the Blue Jays.
He talks with Scott Linebrink this week on "Get in the Game" about the ups and downs of his career, especially in the later years of his career when he bounced between the major leagues and minor leagues. A former catcher, he shares how his position has helped shape his view of leadership and service. He explains what servant leadership means to him and how he led teams with his faith in Jesus out front.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam LaRoche – Former MLB Player
— Juan Pierre – Former MLB Player
— Kyle McClellan – Former MLB Pitcher
Randy Alcorn is a renowned Christian author who has penned upwards of 60 books. He's also a speaker and the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries, a nonprofit organization that teaches the Bible through books, speaking, and other media and seeks to reach people who have never heard of the Gospel, are in need of food, are living in hostile environments, and other needy situations.
Alcorn is also a fervent advocate for the unborn, so much that he risked — and even lost — his pastoral career early in his life due to his outspoken opposition against an abortion clinic. He shares that story, as well as his heart for sharing the Gospel and being generous with money and spiritual gifts, this week on "Get in the Game."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Bruce Chen – Former MLB Pitcher
— Terry Evans – Atlanta Braves Chaplain
Juan Pierre was one of the most feared men on the base paths during his major league career. His 614 career stolen bases are the 18th highest in MLB history, and he led the majors three times in stolen bases — led by his 68 in 2010 as a member of the Chicago White Sox, where he was a teammate of "Get in the Game" host Scott Linebrink. He also played all 162 games in five straight seasons from 2003-2007.
He found himself on the bench more than usual during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was during that time that he found God. As he tells Linebrink in this conversation, had it not been for that trying season, he might not be here today talking about God.
He shares that story and the rest of his testimony this week on "Get in the Game."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Mark Herzlich – Former NFL Player
— Kyle McClellan – Former MLB Pitcher
— Sean Casey – Former MLB Player
Mark Herzlich played in the NFL for six seasons, all spent with the New York Giants. He was a member of the Super Bowl XLVI winning Giants team and also won an ESPY for Best Comeback Athlete in 2011. He is now a college football analyst and also works for the International Justice Mission. He authored a book titled "What It Takes: Fighting For My Life and My Love of the Game," which chronicles his fight against a rare bone disease that led to the discovery of cancer in his leg.
He thought he might not ever play football again. He shares that story this week on "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink and how that experience led him to a relationship with God. Herzlich also talks about his work in domestic violence prevention, the importance he places on mental health and what true manhood looks like.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
RELATED PODCASTS:
— J.T. Chargois – Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
— Justin Forsett – Former NFL Player
— Dave Dravecky – Former Professional Baseball Player
J.T. Chargois is a major league veteran in his fifth year with a big league team. Currently a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Chargois has also pitched for the Minnesota Twins, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Seattle Mariners, as well as the Tohoku Raketen Golden Eagles of the Nippon Professional Baseball League.
His faith in God is important to him, and in this episode of "Get in the Game," Chargois talks with Scott Linebrink about how he found a true relationship with God later in life during his playing career. He opens up about struggles he's faced off the field, dealing with injuries, and wondering whether he's even supposed to still be playing baseball.
He shares candidly about the loneliness he's felt at times, especially while being injured this season, and what he feels like his purpose is while in the clubhouse and as a member of a major league team.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Kyle McClellan – Former MLB Pitcher
— Bruce Chen – Former MLB Pitcher
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
Kyle McClellan played six years in the major leagues, most of those spent with the St. Louis Cardinals. After attending Hazelwood High School in the St. Louis metropolitan area, he was drafted by his hometown team in the 25th round of 2002 MLB Draft. He spent most of his career as a reliever and was a member of the 2011 World Series champion Cardinals team.
He and "Get in the Game" host Scott Linebrink crossed paths briefly as teammates in St. Louis in 2012 before McClellan finished his career with the Texas Rangers in 2013. Though he had success and was able to experience winning a championship with the Cardinals, his career was not without struggle. In this conversation, he talks about the injuries that cut his career short, how he dealt with the reality of that, and what his faith in God did to help form his perspective on his post-baseball life.
He has a heart for service, and he talks with Linebrink about a trip to Haiti that impacted him in such a way that he was prompted to start his non-profit, Brace For Impact, which seeks to "impact" the lives of kids in Haiti and in the St. Louis area. Though retired, McClellan is still involved with the Cardinals in a number of media roles, including various radio appearances, and he was recently selected to host the St. Louis Cardinals podcast through MLB.com called "The Chatter's Box."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Albert Pujols – MLB Star
Bruce Chen was one of the most well-traveled players during his 17 seasons in the major leagues. Playing for 11 teams, Chen blessed his teammates and fans at each stop with his infectious personality and his humor. He brings both to this week's episode of "Get in the Game," catching up with host Scott Linebrink on their playing days and sharing his heart for service and for God.
A native of Panama, Chen works for the Los Angeles Dodgers as their Latin America Field Coordinator.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Kyle Gibson – Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Blaine Boyer – Former Professional Baseball Player
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Gibson is one of the biggest guys in the major leagues. He also has one of the biggest hearts when it comes to serving others. He joins "Get in the Game" this week to talk with Scott Linebrink about his heart for service, how his faith has led him throughout his career, and how he's dealt with failure as an athlete.
Gibson is actively involved with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright's charity, Big League Impact, and just last year he announced that he was donating to a Dallas-based food pantry for every strikeout he recorded.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam LaRoche – Former MLB Player
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Chase Anderson – MLB Pitcher
Adam LaRoche played 12 seasons in the major leagues, hitting 255 career home runs and nearly 1,500 career hits. During his career, though, he was just as passionate about hitting a baseball as he was serving others, particularly those in the military. That has remained in his retired life, as well as a general heart for serving. That's how he and Scott Linebrink connected years ago and it's a big part of their friendship still today.
LaRoche's Foundation, the E3 Foundation, has a mission to join in the fight against human trafficking as well as serving combat war veterans. Recently, LaRoche and his foundation aided soldiers who were involved in the United States pulling out of Afghanistan. Most recently, he's been working with various organizations in Ukraine needing medical supplies during the current war with Russia. After hearing that there was a need for water, Linebrink and Water Mission teamed up with the E3 Foundation to help supply water to a Ukrainian city.
Water Mission is one of the only nonprofits producing safe water in multiple cities in Ukraine. They are also distributing hygiene kits to help people stay healthy. LaRoche has offered to match all gifts to Water Mission’s Ukraine response, up to $125,000, through the E3 Foundation.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Blaine Boyer – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
Justin Forsett played nine seasons in the NFL as a running back for seven different teams and totaled nearly 4,000 rushing yards. In 2014, he rushed for 1,266 yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Now, in his post-football life, he's helping athletes take care of themselves in a holistic and clean way. He created a company called Hustle Clean, a "mission-driven self care brand for the active lifestyle," as Forsett described it. The company creates convenient products with clean ingredients for the everyday athlete.
He joins "Get in the Game" this week to talk about how he has approached his playing career and post-playing career with a heart of service.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Terry Evans – Atlanta Braves Chaplain
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Blaine Boyer – Former Professional Baseball Player
Terry Evans serves as the team chaplain for the Atlanta Braves as well as a ministry called Unlimited Potential Inc. In both roles, he seeks to teach and equip baseball players to grow deeper in their walk with Jesus Christ.
Before becoming a chaplain, Evans played in the major leagues. After being drafted in the 47th round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, he made his MLB debut six years later with the Los Angeles Angels in June 2007. His pro career ended in 2012, and the following year, he became the chaplain for the Braves.
Today on "Get in the Game," he talks about service and what it means through the lens of professional sports ministry.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Lance Berkman – MLB Veteran & Houston Baptist Coach
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
Lance Berkman played 15 seasons in the major leagues, where he was named to six All-Star Games and won a World Series in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was recently hired as the head baseball coach at Houston Baptist University.
He and Scott Linebrink have been friends for a long time and they both share a heart for missions and living an intentional life for Christ. In this episode of "Get in the Game," they talk about what it looks like to live out their faith authentically in the world of sports with a heart of service for others.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jaime Garcia – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Sean Casey – Former MLB Player
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Jaime Garcia played 10 seasons in the major leagues, predominantly with the St. Louis Cardinals. It was there that he became teammates with Scott Linebrink and they struck up a friendship. This week on "Get in the Game," they share a conversation about baseball, faith, service, and living out a life for Jesus.
Garcia opens up about the struggles he went through personally and with his faith early in his career and how God redeemed him of it all. He has a heart for service and helping those less fortunate, and he and Scott share some stories about their service trips.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Dave Dravecky – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Luke Weaver – Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Dave Dravecky’s story is full of hope, courage and perseverance in the midst of deep uncertainty. Above it all, he loves to share how his faith in Jesus guided him through it all.
In 1988, he was at the pinnacle of his Major League Baseball career until later that season when doctors discovered cancer in his throwing arm, forcing him to remove half of his deltoid muscle.
Despite being told by doctors, “Short of a miracle, you’ll never pitch again,” he returned the following season and pitched a 4-3 win against the Cincinnati Reds in his first start back.
His comeback, though, lasted just one more start. In his next appearance against the Montreal Expos, his arm split in two. His career was done.
On this episode of "Get in the Game," Dravecky shares that story and how God has used him and his platform in the wake of it.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Blaine Boyer – Former Professional Baseball Player
— GET IN THE GAME PODCAST: Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Luke Weaver – Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher
Blaine Boyer pitched for 12 years in the major leagues, predominantly as a relief pitcher who was used in high leverage situations. Naturally, he and "Get in the Game" host Scott Linebrink share a bond and an affinity for relief pitching. Their friendship stretches beyond baseball, though, and into the world of service. Boyer and Linebrink have served together on international mission trips and worked together in various missions-based projects, like Water Mission.
In November 2015, along with former major leaguer Adam LaRoche, Boyer spent 10 days with the non-profit The Exodus Project in Southeast Asian brothels doing undercover work to help rescue underage sex slaves.
In this episode, Boyer shares his experience serving internationally and talks about what it looks like to serve out of a genuine heart and not with a "savior mentality."
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jason Standridge – Former Professional Baseball Player
— Brad Henderson – Pittsburgh Pirates & Penguins Team Chaplain
— Luke Weaver – Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher
Jason Standridge played seven years in the major leagues while also spending time in Japan, and he's now using time to help serve others through missional organizations. He and Scott Linebrink have been friends dating back to their playing days, and he joins "Get in the Game" to talk about his playing days as well as how he's used his platform for change and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also talks about his experience playing professionally in Japan and how that proved to be a huge blessing for him and his wife that resulted in the adoption of their daughter.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Brad Henderson – Pittsburgh Pirates & Penguins Team Chaplain
— Chase Anderson – MLB Pitcher
— Joakim Soria – Former MLB Player
Brad Henderson serves as the team chaplain for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Aside from ministering to professional athletes, he's also passionate about serving alongside them on international mission trips. He and Scott Linebrink have been friends since Linebrink's playing days and have served together on several mission trips.
In this episode of "Get in the Game," they share about the work they saw God doing on some of those trips, what a heart of service looks like, and living out faith in the world of professional sports.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Luke Weaver – Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher
— Chase Anderson – MLB Pitcher
— Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop
Luke Weaver is entering his seventh season in the major leagues and his fourth with the Arizona Diamondbacks after being traded there from the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2019 season. After a stellar career at Florida State, he was drafted in the first round (27th overall) by the Cardinals in 2014.
On this episode of "Get in the Game," Scott Linebrink talks with Weaver about faith, parenthood, baseball and service, particularly a service trip they took together to Haiti and what they saw God doing through that work there.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Chase Anderson – MLB Pitcher
— Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Major League free agent pitcher Chase Anderson joins "Get in the Game" with Scott Linebrink to talk about overcoming obstacles, being great at what you're good at, serving others and how serving has changed his life to be more like Christ. He explains why Proverbs 16:9 is his life verse and why he has it stitched on his glove.
He also talks about his experiencing serving in Philippines sharing the gospel and hosting free baseball camps.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop
— Joakim Soria – Former MLB Player
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Nick Ahmed is an eight-year veteran in the major leagues with two Gold Glove Awards to his name. He's spent the entirety of his major league career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he has played in nearly 800 career games. Ahmed is also known for his work and character off the field.
On this episode of "Get in the Game," Ahmed talks about his baseball career, stewardship, his heart for service, and the compelling story of how he gave his life to Christ in the middle of a baseball game.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Joakim Soria – Former MLB Player
— Sean Casey – Former MLB Player
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Joakim Soria recently retired after a 15-year career in the major leagues, most of which was spent as a closer. He accumulated nearly 800 appearances with nine different teams and racked up 229 career saves. He was named an All-Star in 2008 and 2010.
But as Soria tells Scott Linebrink on this week's "Get in the Game," his identity is much more than just baseball. Throughout his career he poured his heart into serving others, and he now works with Water Mission to serve in his home country of Mexico. In this week's interview, Soria talks about what service means to him and how his faith in God is at the center of all he does.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Sean Casey – Former MLB Player
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
Sean Casey played 12 season in the major leagues and was a three-time All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds. In his post-baseball career, he has worked as an analyst for MLB Network and he also hosts his own podcast, "The Mayor's Office."
Aside from being one of the best first basemen during his era, he was also known by many around the league as "the nicest guy in the major leagues." This week he joins "Get in the Game" to talk with his friend, Scott Linebrink, about finding joy and how his faith is at the center of it, the difference between joy and happiness and what it looks like to serve others.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Ben Broussard – Former MLB Player
— Geoff Blum – Former Major Leaguer
— Jim Thome – Hall of Fame First Baseman
Ben Broussard played seven seasons in the majors leagues with the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers. He is also a musician who has released two full-length albums. He also teamed up with a number of major league players, including "Get in the Game" host Scott Linebrink, on an album called "Oh Say Can You Sing?"
He joins the podcast to talk with Scott about his faith, mission work he's done, his baseball career, his music endeavors, and he even shares a bit of his beatboxing skills.
"Get in the Game" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well.
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— Chris Coghlan — Former MLB Outfielder
— Geoff Blum – Former Major Leaguer
This week on "Get in the Game," former Olympic gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton joins Scott Linebrink to share his testimony, which includes three bouts with cancer. He also shares about being adopted and how that has shaped who he's become.
He won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo and four other world championship titles in men's figure skating. He was presented with the 1984 Most Courageous Athlete Award by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, and in 1996 he received the Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award. He's also the author of several books, his most recent being Finish First: Winning Changes Everything.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher
— David Backes – Former NHL Player
— Chris Coghlan — Former MLB Outfielder
Adam Wainwright has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the major leagues over the past 15 seasons, but he's known just as much for his efforts off the field. An outspoken Christian and humanitarian, Wainwright embodies what it means to be a servant leader both in the clubhouse and the community. His non-profit organization Big League Impact, and its various initiatives, has raised millions of dollars for countless relief efforts and causes.
He talks with Scott Linebrink on the Get in the Game Podcast about what it means to be on mission as an athlete and as a Christian, what service means to him, using his platform to share his faith, and what life has been like since he and his wife Jenny adopted their son Caleb.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— David Backes – Former NHL Player
— Albert Pujols – LA Dodgers First Baseman
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
David Backes recently retired after a stellar 15-year career in the National Hockey League where he became one of the fiercest competitors and most dependable teammates in the league. He spent 10 of those seasons, with the St. Louis Blues, where he was named to three All-Star teams and served as captain.
Backes spent the final years of his NHL career with the Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks before announcing his retirement on September 9, 2021. Backes was also a two-time Olympian, helping the U.S. to win a silver medal in 2010. He joins the Get in the Game Podcast to reflect on his career, share his and his wife's heart for service — particularly as it relates to animal activism, share how his faith impacted his career, and what he hopes his legacy will be.
(This interview was recorded prior to Backes' retirement announcement)
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this conversation, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Nick Hundley – Former MLB Player
— Chris Coghlan — Former MLB Outfielder
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
Nick Hundley played 12 seasons in the major leagues for five different teams. He played his rookie season with Scott Linebrink while with the San Diego Padres, and since then the two have maintained a friendship.
In this conversation, Hundley shares about his career as a catcher and the lessons he learned through baseball about his faith in God and service to others.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Chris Coghlan — Former MLB Outfielder
— Daniel Murphy – Former Major Leaguer
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
Mike Wilson is the co-founder and executive director of myLIFEspeaks, a non-profit organization aimed at providing opportunities for the people of Haiti to experience all that life has to offer, regardless of ability, disability, wealth, or status.
They work to provide desperately needed programs and services, including education and nutrition programs for new mothers, physical and occupational therapy services, feeding programs for at-risk youth to help eliminate malnutrition, general and special education for elementary school students, family placement for orphaned children, employment opportunities, and more.
Haiti was recently rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tropical storm. If you are interested in learning more about myLIFEspeaks and how you can help Haitians, especially in the midst of the current devastation, visit mylifespeaks.com.
You can also learn what Compassion International, one of Sports Spectrum's partners, is doing to serve those affected in Haiti as well by visiting compassion.com.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Israel Del Toro – Air Force Veteran
— Rudy Gonzalez – Former U.S. Marine
— Jay Doerfler – Air Force Pilot
Israel Del Toro is a true example of what perseverance looks like lived out. While serving in Afghanistan, he was injured by an improvised explosive device and suffered third degree burns on 80 percent of his body. Realistically, he should have died. But he survived, and eventually re-enlisted in the Air Force despite being considered 100 percent disabled.
He had previously served as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, and his story of perseverance continues to be an inspiration for so many people. In 2006, he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and at the 2017 ESPY Awards, he was presented with the Pat Tillman Award, named in honor of the former NFL player who was killed in Afghanistan.
Scott Linebrink met Israel — "DT" as he's better known by those close to him — through Wounded Warrior events and the two have maintained a friendship ever since. They talk about DT's incredible story and his heart for service.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Rudy Gonzalez – Former U.S. Marine
— Jay Doerfler – Air Force Pilot
— Mitch Harris – Former MLB Pitcher & Navy Lieutenant
Chris Coghlan played nine season in the major leagues with the Florida/Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays before retiring following the 2017 season. He was named the 2009 Rookie of the Year after hitting .321 with nine home runs and 47 runs batted in with the Marlins. He won a World Series with the Cubs in 2016.
He joins the Get in the Game Podcast to talk with Scott Linebrink about his playing career, his faith and relationship with God, and what service means to him. You'll love hearing his testimony of coming to faith and how he has used his platform to give God glory.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Former Major Leaguer Geoff Blum
— Former Major Leaguer Jim Thome
— Hall of Fame Closer Trevor Hoffman
Rudy Gonzalez is a former United States Marine who spent the majority of his tenure with the special forces as a Marine Recon. He now works for SERT Ministries — which stands for Search, Evangelize, Rescue, and Train — where his work centers on rescuing trafficking victims. Has also done private security for Samaritan’s Purse, has worked as a pastor, and taken numerous humanitarian trips overseas, including one to Liberia to fight Ebola.
He talks with Scott Linebrink this week about service, his faith journey, and the important work he's doing with SERT, and he shares several stories from his time in the military and from his trips abroad.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Jay Doerfler – Air Force Pilot
— Mitch Harris – Former MLB Pitcher & Navy Lieutenant
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
In recognition of July 4, Scott Linebrink brings us a bonus conversation with his friend Jay Doerfler, a United States Air Force pilot, about service, putting others first, and what it means to truly put one's life down for someone else.
Doerfler fought in combat in Afghanistan and shares stories from his experiences about what true service looks like and how he's lived his life both in his work and his faith through the commands of Philippians 2:3-4, which reads, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
He also talks about the similarity between training for combat and being in the Word regularly. "What you devote a lot of your time and attention to, both mentally and physically, becomes what you rely on in the time of need," he said. "So if you're spending that time in the Word and in prayer and in fellowship, when times get tough, that's where you'll go."
This weekend, and always, we honor and thank those who serve in our armed forces.
Get in the Game is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Mitch Harris – Former MLB Pitcher & Navy Lieutenant
— Dayton Moore – Kansas City Royals GM
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
Mitch Harris defined service rather simply: "Others before self." Whether it was in the dugout during his time in the major leagues or on the boat with his shipmates during his time in the Navy, Harris has lived a life of service where he prioritized putting others ahead of himself.
He talks with Scott Linebrink this week about his experience at the Naval Academy, his time in the Navy, and transitioning from that to a brief stint in the major leagues as a relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He made his major league debut in 2015 and became the first Naval Academy alumnus to appear in the major leagues since Nemo Gaines did so in 1921. He retired following the 2017 season and now works as a financial advisor — another role where he looks to serve others with his talents.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
--
If you enjoyed this episode, we know you'll enjoy these as well:
— Daniel Murphy – Former Major Leaguer
— Trevor Hoffman – Hall of Fame Closer
— Dayton Moore – Kansas City Royals GM
From 2008-2020, Daniel Murphy was one of the best infielders in the major leagues. He was selected to three All-Star Games, won the Silver Slugger Award twice and was the 2015 National League Championship Series MVP with the New York Mets. He set a postseason with six straight postseason games with home runs in 2015, including one in all four NLCS games.
He also finished second in the Most Valuable Player voting in 2016 while a member of the Washington Nationals. Now that he's retired, he returned to Jacksonville University — where he played baseball before leaving early to go to the Major Leagues — to finish his degree.
He joined the Get in the Game Podcast to talk with Scott Linebrink about his playing days, how he and his wife Tori made their marriage and family work during the grueling baseball season, what he learned about hard work from his father, faith, and the different ways he and his wife are using their platform to serve others.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Dayton Moore was perfectly content with where he was, serving as the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Braves. Several teams courted him to serve as their general manager, but each time he felt God telling him to stay put. That was until the Kansas City Royals, his boyhood team, came calling, and in 2006 he was named the general manger — a role he's held since.
He talks with Scott about how he's always approached his job by putting the organization and others ahead of himself, what servant leadership looks like, and how he makes encouraging others a pivotal part of his job.
Under his leadership, the Royals went to back-to-back World Series and won the title in 2015, the first for the organization since 1985. He shares how he follows his faith in Jesus to be the leader that he is.
“I know that it’s impossible for me to lead well as a husband, as a father, as a general manager, in my community unless I’m a follower," he says. "I’ve got to follow something, and I’ve got to lean into something, and for me that’s Jesus."
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Geoff Blum's 14th inning home run of Game 3 of the 2005 World Series will forever be part of his legacy from his 14-year career, and in this conversation with Scott Linebrink he talks about how the trade that sent him to the Chicago White Sox that season shaped him as a player and as a man.
The White Sox, thanks in part to Blum, went on to win the World Series that year, but he talks with Scott about how hard it was to leave the brotherhood of a San Diego Padres team, where he was teammates with Scott. The two talk about that, their faith, dealing failure and disappointment, parenting and much more in this conversation.
Now retired, Blum serves as the color analyst on television for the Houston Astros, who he played for from 2002-2003 then again from 2008-2010.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Albert Pujols is arguably the best baseball player of this generation. The Los Angeles Angels first baseman is in his 21st season, and in that time he's stacked up a body of work that will likely make him a first ballot Hall of Famer.
He won two World Series championships three National League Most Valuable Player awards with the St. Louis Cardinals. He's a 10-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner, six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2001. He's also won the Hank Aaron Award twice, in 2003 and 2009.
His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, but he's equally as proud about his work off the field. That's most of what he talks with Scott Linebrink about in this conversation. Pujols and and his wife Deidre run the Pujols Family Foundation, which bills itself as "a national not-for-profit agency that exists to honor God and strengthen families through our works, deeds and examples." He won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2008.
In this conversation, he also shares his testimony about how and when he gave his life to God and how his faith shapes everything he does.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Jim Thome is one of the best power hitters in recent baseball history, as evidenced by his 612 career home runs and 2,328 hits. That mark, plus five All-Star appearance, a Silver Slugger Award, and slew of other accomplishments over a 22-year career a landed him in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
What Thome did and continues to do off the field is equally impressive. Thome and his wife are active philanthropists and have worked to be engaged with at least two organizations in each of the six cities where he played — Cleveland, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Baltimore. For his efforts, he was the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, and the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award — some of the most prestigious awards that recognize service, character, and leadership.
Scott Linebrink and Thome were teammates with the Chicago White Sox and, in this conversation, they reminisce on some of their favorite memories from their playing days and talk about what it means to serve others.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Trevor Hoffman is one of the best to ever close out games. His 601 saves are second all-time and are part of what led him to being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
In his 18-year career with the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers, he was selected to seven All-Star Games, won the National League Rolaids Relief Man Award twice, and was the National League leader in saves in 1998 and 2006.
He and Scott Linebrink were former teammates in San Diego, and in this conversation they reminisce on some of their favorite memories and tell some of their funniest stories from life in the bullpen. But the heart of the conversation centers around servant leadership and what it means to serve our neighbors.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Andy Pettitte is one of the most accomplished pitchers in recent baseball memory, playing 18 season — 15 with the New York Yankees and three with the Houston Astros.
He won five World Series championships with the Yankees, was a three-time All-Star, led the American League in wins in 1996, and was the 2001 American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player. He is the all-time leader in postseason wins with 19. His No. 46 is retired by the Yankees and he's enshrined in their Monument Park.
He shares with Scott how his faith led him through his baseball career and how he had Godly discernment about when to retire and that coming out of retirement to play again was what he needed to do.
He talks about what he's been up to since officially retiring following the 2013 season, how much he's enjoyed coaching his sons, and how his walk with Jesus has grown.
The past few months have been challenging on Pettitte and his wife Laura, mainly due to the fact that she lost both of her parents within hours of each other due to COVID-19. He and his family were also in a bad car accident that left them injured.
"God puts us through trials," he said. "He gives us pain, I believe, so we can use that to help others. That goes back to what you're talking about — serving and trying to figure out what you can do for others. We are in a culture and a world that's so 'promote yourself, think about yourself, whatever you can do to lift yourself up.' That's so far away from what God's Word tells us to do."
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Welcome to the "Get in the Game" podcast! We are excited to welcome Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to the show today.
Last season he helped guide the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1988, and he also won a World Series as a player with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. He was named the National League Manager of the Year Award in 2016.
A former teammate of Scott Linebrink, Roberts shares what it means to manage and play professional sports with a servant leadership mentality.
"Being a professional athlete is very difficult," he said. "People ask and want things. I just really believe that having that sense of that servant mindset to want to help others, it always kind of gets you back to that gratitude piece that we've got it pretty good. There's other things outside of baseball. I think that ultimately will make you a better person and a better ballplayer, I really do."
He also opens up about his faith and how it has guided him through his career and what giving back does for the heart.
Be sure to subscribe to Get in the Game wherever you listen to podcasts, and check out the other shows on the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can find those and other stories on the intersection of sports and faith at sportsspectrum.com.
Hosted by former Major League pitcher Scott Linebrink, Get in the Game is a podcast focusing on what it means to serve others as God has called us to serve.
Launching March 19, 2021