Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6'0 Wt: 180 Born: May 31, 1981 in Mobile, AL Family: wife, Katie; children: Jacob Edward II and Wyatt Major League Debut: June 22, 2002
On June 22, 2002 I experienced something that I had dreamed about ever since I was young. That day I made my major league pitching debut for the San Diego Padres against the New York Yankees. For a 21 year old kid from Semmes, Alabama, the roar of 60,000 fans had me nervous and wondering if I was really even supposed to be there. After seven innings and three Yankee hits, I felt calmness settle over me and I realized this was exactly where God wanted me to be.
I will always remember that day not just because of what took place during the game but for the greater privilege of sharing my personal faith story with the thousands who stayed after the game for the Padres "Day of Fellowship". You see, when I was seven years old, I decided to give control of my life from that point on to Jesus Christ. As a Christian, I'm certainly not perfect. I still make mistakes but I know that God's love for me will not change depending on how "good" I am. My motivation now is not based on what other people think, but on what God wants. My greatest desire is to honor God in everything I do… as a father and husband and as a baseball player.
The Bible says that God has a will and a plan for everyone's life (Jeremiah 29:11) and if we submit our lives to Him, He will use us in ways we can't even imagine. I challenge you to find the "peace that passes all understanding" that I have, knowing that Christ is in control of my life. God promises to always be with us and to never leave us. I know on June 22, 2002 He was there to encourage me and I know He always will be.
An Interview with Alabama native Jake Peavy (Part 1 & 2).
