Outfielder Ben Revere.  Photo by Ian D’Andrea

5’9’’ Ben Revere never thought he would ever be able to play major league baseball – ever.

His goal was simply to play college baseball.  During his senior year of high school, Division 1 colleges like University of Georgia, Florida, Florida State, and Miami showed interest in him.  It appeared that his dream was about to come true.

God had bigger plans.

In 2007, as Revere was planning on figuring out what school to go to, he was drafted in the 1^st round of the Amateur Player Draft by the Minnesota Twins.  He thought it was a dream.  Revere told CBN; “When all that happened I was just like, ‘oh my goodness.’ It’s just, I didn’t think I was even going to go D1 because, I was the smallest guy on every team – every team.  And it just like man, you see all these kids like 6’3,” big, hit homeruns… And I’m like, ‘there’s no way I can make it.’

People doubted him.  Some said he was too small.  Others said he didn’t have a strong enough arm.  Others said he couldn’t hit with enough power.  It took him four years in the minors to prove himself, but at the end of the 2010 season, he made his major league debut.

Revere never did develop a great deal of power.  It took him 1,466 at bats before he hit his first Major League home run in the 2014 season!  What he lacked in power, however, he made up in contact.  He hit over .300 for three straight seasons from 2013-2015.  He led the National League in hits in 2014.

While Revere has been a consistent player, his baseball career has been one of constant change.  After debuting with the Twins, he was traded to the Phillies prior to the 2013 season, then to the Blue Jays at the 2015 trade deadline, and then to Nationals prior to the 2016 season.  He was granted free agency after his one season in Washington, and signed with the Angels in 2017.  He just recently signed with his 6^th team, the Cincinnati Reds, in February of 2018.  He’s grateful to God for the opportunity to play.  He told CBN; “til this day, I’m just like, ‘Thank You.’ I’m just like, ‘Thank You.’ I’m just like, ‘Really, You didn’t have to give this to me.  You know, I will love You no matter what, but You give me this chance.  I’m not going to regret it.’”

One of Revere’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 91:1-2.  In this verse, King David confesses that “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”  Revere told Rob Maaddi in the book “Baseball Faith;” “When I read this passage, it’s definitely heartfelt, and you realize whatever you may be going through, whatever temptations are in your life, God is saying to you: ‘don’t give up on me, and I’ll help you overcome anything and have a long life of salvation.’ Reading this passage makes me realize that God has a better plan for me.  I like to read it especially if something isn’t going well because it’s a constant reminder that the Big Man upstairs is always by your side no matter what.  You see so many athletes waste their talent because their egos become so big and they think they can handle everything on their own, but no matter what gifts and blessings God gave you, He could take it away very quickly.”

As Revere begins this new chapter in his baseball career, nothing is guaranteed.  The deal he signed is minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.  As he fights for a roster spot on a team that already has a crowded outfield, He will look to God for strength and help, grateful for the opportunity.