CATCHING UP WITH MLB Alumni of THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Fellowship of Christian Athletes Baseball Ministry
LORENZEN AND SMITH HIGHLIGHT FCA ATHLETES IN THE PLAYOFFS
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Baseball Ministry has long been a beacon for young athletes, merging athletic excellence with spiritual growth. Many of its alumni have transitioned from promising high school talents to influential figures in Major League Baseball (MLB). Today, we’re catching up with five standout alumni: Michael Lorenzen of the Kansas City Royals, Shay Whitcomb of the Houston Astros, Cade Smith of the Cleveland Guardians, Josh Rojas of the Seattle Mariners, and Jay Sullenger, who is coaching with the Texas Rangers organization. Each of these individuals has embarked on a remarkable journey, reflecting the profound impact of their time with FCA.
Michael Lorenzen: From High School Star to MLB Veteran
Michael Lorenzen’s baseball career began in Fullerton, California, where he excelled at Fullerton Union High School. His involvement with SoCal FCA Baseball began in his college days while at Cal State Fullerton where he served the FCA ministry as camp coach. Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Lorenzen made his debut in 2015. Known for his versatility as both a pitcher and outfielder, Lorenzen has played with the Reds, the Los Angeles Angels, the Philadelphia Phillies and currently the Kansas City Royals. One of his most recent notable feats was throwing a no-hitter with the Phillies in August of last year. Michael continues to serve the ministry speaking at many events around the year, most recently he took the stage and shared his testimony at the FCA “Lives Changed Celebration” last February.
Did you know that Michael was awarded the SoCal FCA Baseball Athlete of the Year in 2015? He also has a new App called WorkMode where athletes can train like him!
Also, Catch Michael as the Royals take on the Yankees in the Division Playoffs this week!
Shay Whitcomb: Rising Star with a Solid Foundation
Shay Whitcomb’s journey to professional baseball is a testament to his dedication and the influence of FCA So. Cal. Catch. Deeply involved in the program during his high school years, Whitcomb developed both on and off the field. Drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Whitcomb has quickly progressed through the minor leagues. Known for his strong defensive skills and impressive bat, he continues to rise within the Astros' system. His success is a reflection of the values and work ethic instilled in him by FCA.
Read another great article from Astrosfuture.com: Through a loud offseason, Shay Whitcomb grounds himself on morals, beliefs
Cade Smith: THE Second best Relief Pitcher in THE MLB
Cade Smith’s career trajectory has been marked by his resilience and the strong foundation he received from FCA while playing for the Catch. Drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2021 MLB Draft, Smith has been making significant strides in the minor leagues. Known for his effective pitching and powerful arm, Smith is making an impact as a top reliever for the Guardians as the second best reliever in the major leagues. His 1.8 fWAR is second among all relievers as of early September. Cade’s faith and the lessons learned through FCA have been central to his development as a player.
Here is a really neat article on The Athletic about Cade getting called up 5 days before opening day
Also, Watch Cade as the Guardians take on the Tigers in the Division Playoffs this week!
Josh Rojas: A Versatile Talent in Seattle
Josh Rojas’ baseball journey is a prime example of how FCA So. Cal. Catch shapes well-rounded athletes. Rojas, who grew up in the Phoenix area, was an integral part of the FCA program in both 2015 and 2016, which helped him develop his skills and character. After a strong summer with the Catch where he was named California Collegiate League All-Star, Rojas was drafted in 2017 by the Houston Astros out of the University of Hawaii. After a trade in 2019 to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Rojas made his MLB debut for his home town team. Known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions, he has become a key player for the Seattle Mariners. Rojas’ success is a testament to the strong foundation he built with FCA.
Did you know that Josh was awarded the SoCal FCA Baseball Athlete of the Year in 2016?
Jay Sullenger: MAKING AN IMPACT with the Texas Rangers
Jay Sullenger’s path has taken a unique turn from collegiate coach to the pro game. After his tenure at James Madison University Jay was selected to lead as Head coach at Biola University, This is where he connected with FCA Baseball Ministry Director Ben Orr who chose Jay as head coach of the So. Cal. Catch in the prestegious California Collegiate League. Sullenger has since moved on to pursue a career in professional baseball with the Texas Rangers organization. As a coach, Sullenger is using his experience and the values learned through FCA to mentor and develop the next generation of major league baseball talent where he is commitment to the sport and to imparting the lessons of faith and perseverance he gained through FCA.
The FCA Impact
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Baseball Ministry has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young athletes and coaches, providing them with not only athletic training but also a strong spiritual foundation. The stories of Michael Lorenzen, Shay Whitcomb, Cade Smith, Josh Rojas, and Jay Sullenger highlight the significant impact of the ministry.
These athletes and coaches carry with them the values and principles learned through FCA, and their continued success in Major League Baseball is a testament to the ministry and it’s enduring legacy. As we follow their careers, it’s evident that FCA has played a crucial role in developing not only skilled players but also athletes of character and faith!
Their journeys inspire the next generation of FCA athletes, proving that with talent, hard work, and a strong foundation in faith, all thing’s are possible. Who will be next?