Clayton Kershaw and I have a lot in common.
All of these awards are all amazing achievements. But in my eyes, the most impressive thing he spoke about during our interview was helping others and doing work for the Kingdom. He is one of the best pitchers ever in the game today, and here he was telling me he wants to do more work to glorify the Lord.
I found out some interesting facts about the seven-time MLB All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher recently when his Los Angeles Dodgers visited Ohio during a road trip to Cleveland and Cincinnati.
His favorite meal is fajitas. So is mine. I offered to take him to Toro Loco if he ever gets a chance to come to Portsmouth, Ohio. That place is always hopping and has fantastic Mexican food. He said “Yeah, you got it” to my offer. What are the odds there?
His favorite snack is beef jerky. What better snack in the world is there other than a Slim Jim? If those are not available, then any kind of cookie will do. Once again, I offered to treat him to some of my mother-in-law’s world famous Christmas sugar cookies if he’s ever in Rubyville. “Oh yeah, I’m there,” he said. “I’m a cookie guy.” Again, what are the odds?
His favorite comedy movie is Dumb and Dumber. Mine too. It’s a classic movie that is sooooooo silly it’s hilarious. Who doesn’t love Lloyd’s sophisticated response when Mary told him the odds of the two ending up together are “more like a million to one?” Lloyd confidently countered, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.” What a great line to tell yourself every day for personal reassurance.
His favorite color is green. So is mine. Not much more to say about that one.
And his favorite verse in the Bible is Colossians 3:23. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
I like that one too. He told me if you are working for the Lord, then great things will happen. “It also puts a good perspective on baseball for me,” he said. “I work hard every day at this game, and I also want to work just as hard for God.”
“Life is a grind, just like baseball,” Clayton said. “You must work hard at it and realize there is a higher calling if you will listen to God speak.”
That verse helps to remind us we should not do things to impress others but to please the Lord. “Life is a grind, just like baseball,” Clayton said. “You must work hard at it and realize ther