HITTING ON THE CROSSHITTING ON THE CROSS

““PLAY FOR AN AUDIENCE OF ONE”PLAY FOR AN AUDIENCE OF ONE”

Matthew 16:24

Matthew 16:24Matthew 16:24Then Jesus said to his disciples, Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone “If anyone

wants to come with Me, he must deny wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.

Deny HimselfDeny HimselfRemember that we Remember that we

are playing to glorify are playing to glorify God and not for God and not for

ourselves. ourselves. Hitting Hitting on the Cross allows on the Cross allows

the hitter to the hitter to remain humble and remain humble and

focused on focused on performing for performing for

Christ.Christ.

Take Up His Take Up His CrossCross

Jesus carried his Jesus carried his cross to the cross to the

mountain top to be mountain top to be crucified; he showed crucified; he showed his love to his Father. his love to his Father. Hitters must carry Hitters must carry their cross to the their cross to the batter’s box to batter’s box to

show their love for show their love for their Savior.their Savior.

Follow MeFollow MeJesus built disciples Jesus built disciples and He showed us and He showed us

the way to the the way to the Promise Land of Promise Land of

Heaven. Heaven. Become a Become a follower of Christ follower of Christ by witnessing for by witnessing for Him as we portray Him as we portray his love by Hitting his love by Hitting

on the Cross.on the Cross.

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

I.I. Explanation of Hitting on the Cross -- Explanation of Hitting on the Cross -- pgs 4-5pgs 4-5

II.II. Attitude and Effort -- pg 6Attitude and Effort -- pg 6

III.III. Confidence -- pg 7Confidence -- pg 7

IV.IV. Practice Keys -- pg 8Practice Keys -- pg 8

V.V. Contact Points -- pgs 9-14Contact Points -- pgs 9-14

VI.VI. Mental Approach at the Plate -- pg 16Mental Approach at the Plate -- pg 16

VII.VII. Mechanical Absolutes -- pgs 18-21Mechanical Absolutes -- pgs 18-21

VIII.VIII. Testimonials -- pgs 22-24Testimonials -- pgs 22-24

Cross DiagramCross Diagram

Batter’s Box: “Where Christ became the center of my life.” Batter’s Box: “Where Christ became the center of my life.”

Joe CarusoJoe Caruso

Cross 1

Cross 2

HITTING ON THE CROSSHITTING ON THE CROSSOne afternoon while coaching, God inspired me to teach a method I

titled “Hitting on the Cross.” The technique materialized when I became unable to improve a hitter’s load and swing.

PROBLEMS--Drifting, reaching, casting, striding long, or tilting are common causes for hitters to struggle. Their struggles are mostly caused because they have no foundation or balance.

RESOLUTIONS--I attacked the problem by drawing a line in the box that ran parallel to the plate; the drawn line fixed their load and set-up (Cross 1). To fix their swing I drew another line (Cross 2) through the load line (Cross 1) towards the plate, which revamped their swing and balance.

CONCLUSION--Cross 1 perfectly squared the hitter up with the pitcher, and Cross 2 drastically eliminated his swing and balance struggles. Looking down and seeing the cross created for the first time in the box, I became overwhelmed

and blessed by the vision God gave me.

That moment signified what God’s purpose was for my life: “Spread the Word of Christ through Baseball.”

Professing Christ first in the box and drawing the cross will benefit hitters two ways:

HITTING ON THE CROSSHITTING ON THE CROSS

1. SPIRITUALLY: the cross provides an opportunity for a hitter to witness for Christ on the baseball field. Christ becomes the center and focus of every at-bat which generates a sense of peace in the box. Performance or results become secondary to glorifying God.

2. MECHANICALLY: Cross 1 perfects the stance by squaring up feet, hips, and shoulders, thus allowing for maximum rotation (bat speed) through the zone to occur for a consistent balance above Cross 2.

Colossians 3:23“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as

something done for the Lord and not for men…

ATTITUDE/EFFORTATTITUDE/EFFORT

If our attitude and effort are not prepared for the at-bat, then we will always fail; regardless of:

Confidence Preparation Keys Approach Mechanics

AttitudeAttitude A winning attitude A winning attitude comes to the yard comes to the yard everyday. No everyday. No matter if your matter if your tired or sore, the tired or sore, the willingness to win willingness to win must always be must always be there. Champions there. Champions perform at their perform at their best when they best when they are the most are the most vulnerable; vulnerable; because of because of attitude.attitude.

Ephesians 4:23- …to be made Ephesians 4:23- …to be made new in the attitude of you new in the attitude of you minds; and put on the new minds; and put on the new

self.self.

EffortEffortA winner excels A winner excels when the game gets when the game gets tough. A crucial tough. A crucial pitch, a big swing, or pitch, a big swing, or a hard ground ball a hard ground ball will overwhelm most will overwhelm most players. Effort of players. Effort of being able to dig being able to dig deep and pull out all deep and pull out all you have to make you have to make the play when the the play when the game is on the line game is on the line is due to effort.is due to effort.

Matthew 7:7-8- …seek and you Matthew 7:7-8- …seek and you will find; knock and the door will find; knock and the door

will be opened to you.will be opened to you.

CONFIDENCECONFIDENCE

Romans 8:28- God works for the good of those who have been Romans 8:28- God works for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose.called according to his purpose.

CHRIST PROVIDES CHRIST PROVIDES CONFIDENCECONFIDENCE

CConfidence: onfidence: It’s a belief in ones own ability It’s a belief in ones own ability due to due to preparation and preparation and knowledge of our own knowledge of our own swing. swing. Channeling our attitude and Channeling our attitude and effort effort harnesses our confidence while harnesses our confidence while hitting.hitting.

PreparationPreparation KeysKeys 1. T Work1. T Work 2. Soft Toss2. Soft Toss 3. Underhand Front Flip3. Underhand Front Flip 4. Dart Toss4. Dart Toss 5. Batting Practice5. Batting Practice

2 Chronicles 32:8- …but with us is the Lord our God to help us 2 Chronicles 32:8- …but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.and to fight our battles.

PREPARATION KEYSPREPARATION KEYS

1 Peter 1:13- Prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the 1 Peter 1:13- Prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace…of Jesus Christgrace…of Jesus Christ

T-WORKT-WORKLocation of the T is the Location of the T is the most important aspect. most important aspect. We must place the T in a We must place the T in a perfect contact point, so perfect contact point, so we confirm that the swing we confirm that the swing taken can be assessed as taken can be assessed as mechanical successes or mechanical successes or failures and not contact failures and not contact point failures. Primary point failures. Primary key is to load first, PAUSE, key is to load first, PAUSE, and then rotate all the and then rotate all the way through and balance. way through and balance. Long tunnel T work is best Long tunnel T work is best because it helps with full because it helps with full rotation and extension, as rotation and extension, as ball flight can be seen ball flight can be seen rising in a distance.rising in a distance.

T-Work Contact PointsT-Work Contact Points In:In: 6-8 inches above front foot 6-8 inches above front foot Middle:Middle: straight off front foot straight off front foot Away:Away: straight across belly straight across belly

button button

Inside Contact Point Middle Contact Point Away Contact PointInside Contact Point Middle Contact Point Away Contact Point

Cross 1

Cross 2

Front Foot

Back Foot

SOFT TOSSSOFT TOSSLocation of the tosser is Location of the tosser is the most important the most important aspect. We must place aspect. We must place our throws from the our throws from the proper angle, so perfect proper angle, so perfect contact point can be contact point can be obtained. Primary key is obtained. Primary key is to work both ahead and to work both ahead and behind in count soft toss. behind in count soft toss. Ahead, we load, PAUSE Ahead, we load, PAUSE briefly, and then rotate briefly, and then rotate and balance, while and balance, while behind, we load, PAUSE behind, we load, PAUSE for a thousand ONE for a thousand ONE count, and then rotate count, and then rotate and balance. and balance.

Soft Toss Contact PointsSoft Toss Contact Points

Inside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact PointsInside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact Points

Cross 1

Cross 2

In Tosser Location

Middle Tosser Location

Away Tosser Location

UNDERHAND FLIPUNDERHAND FLIP Screen depth and ball Screen depth and ball

velocity are the most velocity are the most important aspects. important aspects. Primarily the screen should Primarily the screen should be 15 to 17 feet away, while be 15 to 17 feet away, while ball velocity should be firm ball velocity should be firm enough to go through the enough to go through the hitting zone with no arc on hitting zone with no arc on the ball flight. Timing now the ball flight. Timing now becomes an issue, so we becomes an issue, so we can harness it by working can harness it by working on behind in count swings on behind in count swings by tossing the ball at by tossing the ball at variant speeds. The variant speeds. The primary key is to tell the primary key is to tell the hitter which counts to work hitter which counts to work on, so he knows when to on, so he knows when to load or get his foot down. load or get his foot down. Angle front flip is another Angle front flip is another great rotation tool. great rotation tool.

Underhand Flip Contact Underhand Flip Contact PointsPoints

Inside Contact Points Inside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact PointsMiddle Contact Points Away Contact Points

Cross 1

Cross 2

In Tosser Location (Works

Blue Only)Middle Tosser

Location (Works All Colors)

Away Tosser Location (Works

White Only)

DART TOSSDART TOSS ““Sit Down & Throw Sit Down & Throw

Overhand”Overhand” Accuracy of the Accuracy of the throw is the most important throw is the most important aspect. Screen depth is 15 to aspect. Screen depth is 15 to 20 feet away, and ball 20 feet away, and ball velocity should still be velocity should still be through the zone with no arc. through the zone with no arc. Working behind in the count Working behind in the count becomes very difficult, so becomes very difficult, so work on ahead in the count at work on ahead in the count at bats only. Primary key is to bats only. Primary key is to get the front side down get the front side down before the ball reaches the before the ball reaches the half way point between half way point between batter and thrower. Cheating batter and thrower. Cheating the rotation drill is an the rotation drill is an excellent rotation tool when excellent rotation tool when facing extreme velocity, as facing extreme velocity, as hitter loads and start rotation hitter loads and start rotation before ball is released, while before ball is released, while tosser throws it hard.tosser throws it hard.

Dart Toss Contact PointsDart Toss Contact Points

Inside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact PointsInside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact Points

Cross 1

Cross 2

Tosser Location

(Works All)

BATTING PRACTICEBATTING PRACTICEObjective is the most Objective is the most important aspect of BP. important aspect of BP. Swinging for the fences or Swinging for the fences or losing balance are the worst losing balance are the worst things a hitter can do. The things a hitter can do. The primary key is to try to hit primary key is to try to hit HOVERING line drives HOVERING line drives through the infield or the through the infield or the gaps. Hitting the top inside gaps. Hitting the top inside half of the ball, rotating on half of the ball, rotating on the ball and not the pitchers the ball and not the pitchers hand, and staying balanced hand, and staying balanced will promote a successful will promote a successful round of BP. Trying to hit the round of BP. Trying to hit the ball to a specified location is ball to a specified location is difficult if BP thrower is difficult if BP thrower is inaccurate; therefore, inaccurate; therefore, rotating on the ball should rotating on the ball should allow for ball to be hit to all allow for ball to be hit to all fields without having to fields without having to manipulate your swing to do manipulate your swing to do so. A fundamental round is so. A fundamental round is the only time for ball the only time for ball manipulation.manipulation.

Batting Practice Contact Batting Practice Contact PointsPoints

Inside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact PointsInside Contact Points Middle Contact Points Away Contact Points

Cross 1

Cross 2

Tosser Location

(Works All)

MENTAL APPROACHMENTAL APPROACH

1 Chronicles 9- …the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the

thoughts.

““0” Strike Counts0” Strike Counts

With no strikes we want to get a fastball that we With no strikes we want to get a fastball that we can hit consistently hard.can hit consistently hard. Looking inner or outer half of the plate is O.K., Looking inner or outer half of the plate is O.K., but but looking for a pitch that we can drive gap-to-looking for a pitch that we can drive gap-to-gap is gap is our game plan.our game plan. Getting into scoring position is crucial for a Getting into scoring position is crucial for a team’s team’s success, so driving the ball with no success, so driving the ball with no strikes is strikes is vital for overall team production. Zone vital for overall team production. Zone it up it up and let it fly.and let it fly. Maximum bat speed is a must with no strikes.Maximum bat speed is a must with no strikes.

0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, and the exemption 3-1

““1” Strike Counts1” Strike Counts

With 1 strike we want to be aggressive on the fastball. With 1 strike we want to be aggressive on the fastball. No No matter if it is a pitch in, middle or away, we must matter if it is a pitch in, middle or away, we must attack attack the fastball. the fastball.

Nothing good comes from taking a fastball with 1 strike, Nothing good comes from taking a fastball with 1 strike, because because we are now behind deeper in the count than we are now behind deeper in the count than when we when we started and a pitcher can make a sharp or started and a pitcher can make a sharp or more aggressive more aggressive pitch to get us out.pitch to get us out. We must react to an off speed pitch only if it is elevated. We must react to an off speed pitch only if it is elevated. A A hanging breaker or change must be attacked with 1 hanging breaker or change must be attacked with 1

strike.strike. Rule of thumb for hitters should be starts down; stays Rule of thumb for hitters should be starts down; stays down. 1 down. 1 strike bat speed should almost be maximum strike bat speed should almost be maximum on fastballs on fastballs and about 85% bat speed on hanging and about 85% bat speed on hanging breakers.breakers.

0-1, 1-1, 2-1

““2” Strike Counts2” Strike Counts

With 2 strikes we must protect the plate by getting With 2 strikes we must protect the plate by getting our front our front foot down early, so we can recognize the foot down early, so we can recognize the pitch out of pitch out of the pitchers hand. the pitchers hand.

The key to being a good 2 strike hitter is being The key to being a good 2 strike hitter is being prepared for prepared for any pitch. any pitch.

Getting our foot down early, seeing the pitch out of Getting our foot down early, seeing the pitch out of release release point and battling on anything close to the point and battling on anything close to the zones are zones are the keys to becoming a productive 2 strike the keys to becoming a productive 2 strike hitter. hitter.

Consequently, bat speed will decrease by striding Consequently, bat speed will decrease by striding early, but early, but frequency of attack will increase. Let the frequency of attack will increase. Let the ball get deep, ball get deep, have the front foot down, and battle.have the front foot down, and battle.

0-2, 1-2, 3-2

Overview of ApproachOverview of ApproachThe approach is a general game plan that will adjust The approach is a general game plan that will adjust

slightly because of these variables:slightly because of these variables:

Runners on baseRunners on base Score of the gameScore of the game How you are hitting at the timeHow you are hitting at the time What does the pitcher have What does the pitcher have Where you are at in the line up Where you are at in the line up

Most of the time we come to bat it will not be a Most of the time we come to bat it will not be a situational hitting at bat. Therefore, a solid game plan situational hitting at bat. Therefore, a solid game plan with a free at bat must be obtained for consistency with a free at bat must be obtained for consistency and frequency of contact to be maximized. and frequency of contact to be maximized.

Set “dead red” fastball and react to the hanging off Set “dead red” fastball and react to the hanging off speed pitch is the game plan before 2 strikes, and with speed pitch is the game plan before 2 strikes, and with 2 strikes get your foot down early and see it deep.2 strikes get your foot down early and see it deep.

Proverbs 19:11- A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

HITTING ABSOLUTESHITTING ABSOLUTES

2 SAMUEL 22:31- As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.

LOAD ROTATION EXTENSION BALANCE

LOADLOADThe load must be close to perfection every at bat. The load must be close to perfection every at bat. No matter who is pitching or what they throw, our No matter who is pitching or what they throw, our load has to be consistent for us to be successful. load has to be consistent for us to be successful. Load absolutes are:Load absolutes are:

(1) (1) FFeet parallel to the plate with our weight distributed eet parallel to the plate with our weight distributed equallyequally(2) Hips and shoulders are in a direct line back to the pitcher(2) Hips and shoulders are in a direct line back to the pitcher(3) Knees are inside our feet, elbow down in a punching (3) Knees are inside our feet, elbow down in a punching positionposition(4) Bat at a 45 degree angle back, knob pointing at catcher(4) Bat at a 45 degree angle back, knob pointing at catcher(5) Head is in the center of our body(5) Head is in the center of our body(6) Bat is in our finger tips loose and free(6) Bat is in our finger tips loose and free

It takes “zero” ability to load, so it should be It takes “zero” ability to load, so it should be consistent every pitch of every at bat.consistent every pitch of every at bat.

Matthew 5:48- Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Matthew 5:48- Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.perfect.

ROTATIONROTATIONThis is the act of our body rotating its back half to the This is the act of our body rotating its back half to the baseball without letting our front side move to early. Other baseball without letting our front side move to early. Other definitions for rotation may be:definitions for rotation may be:

(1) Torqueing(1) Torqueing(2) Hips and hands same time(2) Hips and hands same time(3) Top and bottom together (3) Top and bottom together (4) Turning your backside before your hands move forward(4) Turning your backside before your hands move forward(5) Staying in your legs(5) Staying in your legs

If top half or hands leak to the ball, then the hitter will loose If top half or hands leak to the ball, then the hitter will loose bat speed causing the ball to be hit into the ground. The bat speed causing the ball to be hit into the ground. The more the hands move forward without the lower half; the more the hands move forward without the lower half; the shorter the distance the ball will travel. Rotation allows the shorter the distance the ball will travel. Rotation allows the ball to be hit with maximum bat speed which causes ball to be hit with maximum bat speed which causes tremendous backspin on the baseball. Backspin allows the tremendous backspin on the baseball. Backspin allows the ball to travel farther with extreme velocity. Without ball to travel farther with extreme velocity. Without rotation we lose power and distance. There are two kinds rotation we lose power and distance. There are two kinds of hitters: those who push the ball “of hitters: those who push the ball “into”into” the outfield and the outfield and those who rotate the ball “those who rotate the ball “through”through” the outfield. the outfield.

Acts 1:8- …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come Acts 1:8- …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.upon you.

EXTENSIONEXTENSION

To hit the ball hard we need rotation, but to hit the To hit the ball hard we need rotation, but to hit the ball far we need extension. Extension occurs after ball far we need extension. Extension occurs after we make contact with the baseball. Our hands will we make contact with the baseball. Our hands will drive through the zone after contact, and they will drive through the zone after contact, and they will continue moving forward until hands and elbows continue moving forward until hands and elbows reach their furthest point away from our body. Once reach their furthest point away from our body. Once this occurs, we have reached our maximum this occurs, we have reached our maximum extension and this will allow for our hands to finish extension and this will allow for our hands to finish through the zone. Two hands on the bat is vital for through the zone. Two hands on the bat is vital for top hand power to reach full extension. Getting top hand power to reach full extension. Getting extension is simple----rotate and stay balanced.extension is simple----rotate and stay balanced.

John 3:17- For God did not send his son into the world that He John 3:17- For God did not send his son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved

through Him.through Him.

BALANCEBALANCE

To get maximum bat speed, balance is vital. To get maximum bat speed, balance is vital. If the body falls off balance forward, back, If the body falls off balance forward, back, or over the plate, then bat speed is cut off or over the plate, then bat speed is cut off causing swing to slow down. A hitter who causing swing to slow down. A hitter who rotates and holds his balance will achieve rotates and holds his balance will achieve maximum bat speed. A balanced swing will maximum bat speed. A balanced swing will also allow a hitter to achieve full extension also allow a hitter to achieve full extension through the hitting zone, and this causes through the hitting zone, and this causes balls to be driven through the gaps instead balls to be driven through the gaps instead of just to the gaps. A balanced hitter stays of just to the gaps. A balanced hitter stays consistent in swing and in power.consistent in swing and in power.

Proverbs 16:11- honest balances and scales are the Lords.Proverbs 16:11- honest balances and scales are the Lords.

PLAYER TESTIMONIALSPLAYER TESTIMONIALS

Mark 16:15- go into all the world and preach the good news Mark 16:15- go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. to all creation.

TESTIMONIALSTESTIMONIALSAustin Austin Ehrat: as a Jr. Austin Ehrat: as a Jr. Austin

played in East Cobb, GA, as played in East Cobb, GA, as a catcher where a 100 or a catcher where a 100 or mores scouts were present. mores scouts were present. Throwing out “0” runners Throwing out “0” runners and getting “0” hits in five and getting “0” hits in five games Austin received a games Austin received a 100% scholarship to the 100% scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh. How did this happen?How did this happen?

Austin ResponseAustin Response:: ““God humbled me and made me God humbled me and made me

realize that it’s not me playing, realize that it’s not me playing, but its God playing through but its God playing through

me. God is the bomb.”me. God is the bomb.”

Taylor MortonTaylor Morton: as a Jr. Taylor : as a Jr. Taylor played in East Cobb, GA, as played in East Cobb, GA, as a pitcher where a 100 or a pitcher where a 100 or mores scouts were present. mores scouts were present. Never hitting passed 92 Never hitting passed 92 mph on the gun, he went mph on the gun, he went to the mound and drew the to the mound and drew the cross. Topping at 96 mph cross. Topping at 96 mph Taylor received an invite to Taylor received an invite to tryout for the USA Olympic tryout for the USA Olympic team. How did you throw team. How did you throw so hard?so hard?

Taylor ResponseTaylor Response::““It felt like someone was It felt like someone was throwing with me. I have throwing with me. I have

never felt that way before. never felt that way before. That cross thing is the That cross thing is the

businessbusiness.”.”Romans 8:31- if God is for us, then who can be against us.Romans 8:31- if God is for us, then who can be against us.

TESTIMONIALS (cont.)TESTIMONIALS (cont.)

Jordan HillJordan Hill: as a Jr. in high : as a Jr. in high schoolschool Jordan hit .235, but Jordan hit .235, but after drawing the cross in after drawing the cross in the box as a Sr. he hit .560 the box as a Sr. he hit .560 and led the State of and led the State of Tennessee in batting Tennessee in batting average. Jordan received average. Jordan received a scholarship to Southern a scholarship to Southern Arkansas. What can you Arkansas. What can you contribute to this contribute to this remarkable turnaround? remarkable turnaround?

Jordan ResponseJordan Response::““I always loved the Lord, but I I always loved the Lord, but I

never trusted in Him on the never trusted in Him on the baseball field. Once I started baseball field. Once I started

hitting with Christ, I had a hitting with Christ, I had a peace that anything was peace that anything was

possible.possible.

Blake Aquadro:Blake Aquadro: as a Jr. in high as a Jr. in high school Blake threw 8 school Blake threw 8 innings, but after drawing innings, but after drawing the cross on the mound he the cross on the mound he went out over the summer went out over the summer and he recorded a 0.00 ERA and he recorded a 0.00 ERA in East Cobb and Jupiter, in East Cobb and Jupiter, the premier, scouted the premier, scouted tournaments in the country. tournaments in the country. Blake received a Blake received a scholarship to Youngstown scholarship to Youngstown State. From never pitching State. From never pitching to dominating, what to dominating, what happened?happened?

Blake ResponseBlake Response::““My experience was me on the My experience was me on the

mound, but it was God mound, but it was God throwing for me. He guided throwing for me. He guided

me through everything I did.”me through everything I did.”Jeremiah 29:11- for I know the plans I have for you declares Jeremiah 29:11- for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you…the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you…

TESTIMONIALS (cont.)TESTIMONIALS (cont.)Lawson VassarLawson Vassar: as a 14 year old : as a 14 year old

Lawson drew the cross faithfully Lawson drew the cross faithfully when he played 14u baseball. when he played 14u baseball. Not ever standing out, he Not ever standing out, he wondered how he played so wondered how he played so poorly at times. He continued poorly at times. He continued in his faith and pitched in a 17u in his faith and pitched in a 17u event at East Carolina, where event at East Carolina, where he dominated at the plate and he dominated at the plate and on the mound. What was the on the mound. What was the cause for your success at a cause for your success at a higher level?higher level?

Lawson ResponseLawson Response: :

““I knew God had a plan the whole I knew God had a plan the whole time. I had trust in God and I time. I had trust in God and I kept hitting on the cross. I kept hitting on the cross. I knew he would guide and knew he would guide and

reward me.reward me.

Evan Crenshaw:Evan Crenshaw: as a 9 year old as a 9 year old Evan was a very shy, soft-Evan was a very shy, soft-spoken young man. As a spoken young man. As a follower of Christ he never follower of Christ he never really knew how to be bold really knew how to be bold for Jesus. Learning about for Jesus. Learning about the cross and hitting above the cross and hitting above it gave him inspiration to it gave him inspiration to trust God in all things, so trust God in all things, so Evan started a prayer circle Evan started a prayer circle down the lines before down the lines before games. How did you games. How did you become so bold on the become so bold on the baseball field?baseball field?

Evan ResponseEvan Response::““When I started hitting on the When I started hitting on the

cross, I realized what Jesus cross, I realized what Jesus can do through me. I wanted can do through me. I wanted my teammates to know Jesus, my teammates to know Jesus, too. He gave me strength to too. He gave me strength to

do it.”do it.” Galatians 3:11- …the righteous will live by faith.Galatians 3:11- …the righteous will live by faith.

BROTHERSBROTHERS have your back have your back when times get tough.when times get tough.

BROTHERSBROTHERS expect the best expect the best from one another, so they from one another, so they hold each other accountable.hold each other accountable.

BROTHERSBROTHERS never leave a man never leave a man behind, as they will carry you behind, as they will carry you if they have to.if they have to.

BROTHERSBROTHERS will confront you, and will confront you, and demand that you stay the demand that you stay the course.course.

BROTHERSBROTHERS always will be there always will be there when you have messed up big when you have messed up big time. They forgive and forget.time. They forgive and forget.

BROTHERSBROTHERS play together to play together to become a team, so we can become a team, so we can compete together.compete together.

“BROTHERS IN CHRIST “