Evan Carter, the 21-year-old Texas Rangers baseball player, says he is living “a dream come true” as he plays in the World Series.
Just two months ago, Carter was called up from Double-A baseball to play in the World Series with the Rangers. Just before his Major League debut, Carter told reporters he was grateful to God for the opportunity. He was also wearing a “Jesus Won” T-shirt.
In Game One of the World Series, Carter became the second-youngest player to drive the first run of a World Series and the third-youngest player with multiple extra-base hits in a World Series game.
Game Four is scheduled for tonight in Phoenix.
According to ChurchLeaders.com, Carter grew up in a Christian family in Tennessee and was part of the First Baptist Church youth group.
His youth minister, Jason Holly, who coached Carter in youth sports, told Baptist Press that Carter was a “phenomenal athlete,” but “with his faith, he’s always stayed steady.”
Holly said that he shows that “you can be great without being loud, and you can be great without causing problems, and you can be great without being flamboyant.”
Carter is married to his longtime girlfriend Kaylen. She also told reporters about their faith as Carter started his first MLB game.
“All the glory to God,” she said. “Without him, we wouldn’t be here.”
Carter has partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to sell the “Jesus Won” T-shirt. Proceeds from the shirt go to a program at Central Community Christian Church.
Carter has said that he loves playing baseball.
“It’s not worth doing if you’re not having fun…I love the game, and I love playing, I love competing, so, really, it’s a joyful thing for me.”
The Rangers were Carter’s favorite team as a child. He was selected as the 50th pick in the second round of the 2020 MLB draft. In 2021, he missed most of the season with a stress fracture in his back.
“There’s good in everything,” he told MLB.com. “I believe God’s got a plan for me. I learned a lot of stuff here in rehab…I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Jamie Squire / Staff
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
Related podcast:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Salem Web Network and Salem Media Group.