Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — At Dodger Stadium’s Centerfield Plaza on Wednesday afternoon, three prominent Dodgers pitchers—Clayton Kershaw, Blake Treinen, and Michael Kopech—made a meaningful appearance during the pregame “Faith and Family” celebration, a special event dedicated to sharing how faith plays a central role in their lives. The gathering, which took place before a key game, drew a large crowd of fans eager to hear the players speak about their personal journeys with faith and how it informs both their careers and everyday lives.
Kershaw, the first to address the crowd, expressed how important this night was for him and some of his teammates. He started by acknowledging the significance of the event, noting that although it was a big game and a bobblehead night, “Christian Faith Day” was equally important. Kershaw quoted a Bible verse from the book of Matthew, stating, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am present.” He emphasized the importance of unity in faith, saying, “Thank you, Lord, for that.”
Kershaw, known for his humble and consistent faith, took the opportunity to introduce his teammates, Treinen and Kopech, before sharing one of his favorite Bible verses: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” He explained that, for him, this verse serves as a guiding principle. Whether it’s dealing with challenges in baseball or family, Kershaw said, “I try to remember that verse—love God, love others—and it steers me back toward Him.”
Blake Treinen then shared how his favorite Bible verse, Romans 10:9, has been a cornerstone of his faith: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Treinen explained that while baseball is a platform God has given him, it’s his responsibility to use it wisely, not just to play well but to share his faith. “God knows your heart,” he said. “You can’t just fake it. Faith isn’t about seeking the benefits of heaven; it’s about genuinely believing in your heart.”
He encouraged the audience to explore the Word of God for themselves, describing how the Bible speaks to all aspects of life and emphasizing the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Treinen reminded everyone, “Our job is to humble our hearts and admit we are sinners in need of a Savior, and that Jesus paid for it on the cross.”
Michael Kopech, the final player to speak, shared his own testimony about how he drifted away from his faith during his baseball career. Kopech recounted how baseball began to replace the role of God in his life, leading him to a place where he felt unfulfilled. “This is a very unfulfilling game,” Kopech said, describing baseball’s ups and downs. “There’s no consistency to it, and that made me realize I needed something deeper.”
Kopech acknowledged that his wife played a pivotal role in bringing him back to his faith, helping him rebuild his relationship with God. Since then, his life has been fuller, and he has come to appreciate the value of God’s unconditional love, much like the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible, one of his favorite parables. “I think most of us can relate to the younger son in that story,” Kopech shared, referencing the idea that even when we stray, God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.
The players’ heartfelt messages were followed by a final performance from Sony Provident recording artist Brenley Brown, who led the crowd in worship music earlier in the event. Kershaw closed the event with a prayer, thanking God for the platform He had given the players and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their faith with others.
“We love Jesus, and we’re not pastors—we’re baseball players,” Kershaw concluded. “But we want to share our faith with you and tell you that if you’re searching for Jesus, we hope you find Him.” His words were a fitting end to an evening filled with heartfelt testimonies and genuine expressions of faith, leaving a lasting impression on the fans who had gathered for more than just a baseball game—they came to witness the power of faith in action.
The “Faith and Family” celebration served as a reminder of how faith can be a source of strength and guidance, even for professional athletes performing on one of the biggest stages in sports. For Kershaw, Treinen, and Kopech, their faith is a constant in an unpredictable and demanding career, grounding them in something greater than the game itself.
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