Ranger outfielder addresses UMHB students about faith

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 by Justin Cox

Texas Rangers outfielder David Murphy spoke last Wednesday on the UMHB campus about the integration of his Christian faith and his life as a professional athlete.Texas Rangers outfielder David Murphy carries more than a ball and glove with him when he takes field each game; he also carries his faith.

Between the chalk lines, his skills are on display each game, and the reasons he succeeds as a professional athlete are as easy to see as the embroidered TEXAS logo on his uniform. But while his athletic success may define his public persona in the sports world, it is not what defines his personal world.

Murphy was the guest speaker at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor campus on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at the W. W. Walton Chapel.

Murphy, a native Texan from Houston, has been a professional baseball player since being picked up by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2003 draft. He's been with the Texas Rangers since being traded to the club in 2007.

As a man, as a father, and as a husband, Murphy is defined by his Christian faith.

He spoke about the impact his faith has had on his life, how it shaped his character, his marriage, and his ongoing struggles with integrating that personal part of his life into the public one that he is most associated with.

Texas Ranger outfielder David Murphy speaks to a packed house at the W.W. Walton Chapel last Wednesday. Murphy is part of the I Am Second movement, which brings together actors, athletes, musicians and everyday people who have made a commitment to live their lives with Christian-based ideals and facts.

"The game of baseball should be my ministry," Murphy said in an I Am Second video shown during his speech. "Why not use every opportunity to spread the Word? I pray during the national anthem at each game. I prayed that I would be playing for His glory and not mine."

Murphy spoke about keeping his guard up regarding his faith when he's in the locker room. He noted that his friendship with fellow player Josh Hamilton includes a common connection to that same faith. Murphy mentioned that he marvels at the openness of NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, who references his faith regularly in public interviews and settings.

"It would be great if everyone knew me as David Murphy, the All-Star, or David Murphy, the World Series Champion, but I've set my priorities straight," Murphy said. "I'd love to be looked at as David Murphy, Man of God."

• < Prev
• Next >