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Baseball fans were treated to more than a ball game recently in Baltimore Maryland.
On August 13, the Orioles hosted the team's first-ever Faith Night in their matchup against the Washington Nationals.
While the Orioles didn't come out with the win, several players were ready to share their faith in Jesus and said this group of guys is the most faithful team they've been a part of.
Despite a tough start on the mound for pitcher, Trevor Rogers, who just joined the club from the Miami Marlins, he said in an interview, "The timing — the first Faith Night, my first start in Baltimore, that's God [working] right there."
Rogers has been enjoying his time in Baltimore saying, "To be around such a good group of guys, such good Christian guys, this is really fun."
After the final out, thousands of people stuck around for a time of praise and worship which featured a live performance by Reach Worship from Reach Church in Newark, Delaware.
Orioles broadcaster Rob Long said, "Let's give the Orioles organization a hand for having the courage to put this on tonight."
Despite the demanding schedule of six or seven games a week, MLB.com says, "Faith plays a big role in the Orioles clubhouse" and players "always make time for chapel."
The event says, "Usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, it presents a time where they can come together, away from baseball, to connect with one another, pray, and hear God's Word. It presents an opportunity for Orioles players, and baseball players across the league, to have open and vulnerable conversations about their faith and what matters most to them. Orioles players want to share the experience with others."
All-Star rookie infielder, Jordan Westburg said he's, "Never been in a clubhouse with so many players who love Jesus Christ and follow Him every single day."
Although it's not uncommon for batters to fail more often than they succeed, Westburg say's it's important that he plays, "For the glory of God."
Veteran first baseman and designated hitter, Ryan O'Hearn says that one verse that he holds close is 1 Peter 5:7 which reads, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." O'Hearn says that is the reminder when the future starts to weigh heavily on him. "The stress and pressure I felt gave me a new sense of peace," O'Hearn said to The Sun.
Gunnar Henderson, an All-Star shortstop, says to The Sun that he tries to read a chapter of the New Testament every day.
After experiencing the Minnesota Twins' Faith Night last year, a number of the Orioles wanted to bring it to Baltimore.
"I think it's our opportunity to impact others," Westburg told MLB.com. "Other than your usual charitable things that everybody can do, any opportunity that I can give back and at least try to spread some love and some hope, by all means, I'm going to try and do."
He continued to say, "I understand some people have different philosophies and beliefs, but that's the cool part about the freedom that we have as human beings."
Veteran relief pitcher, Danny Coulombe says that although he was raised in a Christian home, it wasn't until college when a pastor challenged him to deepen his relationship with Christ. "Baseball is important, but souls are the most important thing," Coulombe was quoted as saying. "This is the most faithful team I've ever been around."