Athlete Testimonies:

Russ Ortiz

Russ Ortiz loves pitching...and he loves the Lord. He's done a great job meshing those two loves together in his life. "As a Christian athlete, I play for an audience of one," he says. "I play for Christ. He's the only person I need to glorify and honor. After that, the rest will follow."

Through team switches, injury, and anything else life has thrown his way, Ortiz has remained consistent. Because he's playing not only for his team, but also for his audience of One, he wants to make sure he's always giving 100%. In 1998, early in his career, he began writing Scripture verses under the bill on his cap. One of the first ones he wrote was Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." "I needed a reminder of what I needed to get the job done," says Ortiz.

At many points in his baseball career, Ortiz has been a center of attention in the baseball world. But you can believe him when he says that the focus of his attention has been and will always be on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Uncommon Challenge