School: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Position: Infielder/Pitcher
1st Year Kingsmen Player
“This was my first year with Kingsmen Baseball. Going into it, I had heard plenty of stories from past trips and seasons, but they did not compare to what I experienced both on and off the field. During our trip to the Dominican Republic, it was incredible to see the impact we were able to make in such a short amount of time.
One of the most meaningful days for me was when we visited Los Montones. We went door to door, handing out bags of food that we had put together as a team. Each player had the opportunity to personally give a bag to a family, spend time with them, and pray for them. It was amazing to see not just the gratitude people showed, but also the love they showed us. Even with so little, they welcomed us with so much kindness and joy.
Of course, baseball was still a big part of the trip. We played several games against many players that have signed professional contracts and others that were both current and ex-professional ballplayers. Our last game was against an academy for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, a major league team in the Japanese league. It was awesome to play such good competition. Playing the game I love in a different country, surrounded by teammates who share a love for Christ, was an experience Ill never forget. The games were also opportunities to connect with the other teams.
Before every game we prayed with the other team and at the end we would share our mission as a Christian team and some of our testimonies.
This trip changed my perspective in ways I didn’t expect. More than anything, it showed me how God is moving in places and people all over the world, even if we don’t see it. It reminded me that I need to live with purpose and reflect Christ’s love to others. Being there helped me step back and recognize how blessed I am, and I will never forget the love I learned on this trip.”
