For Ryan Sweeney, a junior sport management major from Franklin, Tennessee, baseball has always been more than a game. But last spring, the sport became the setting for a spiritual milestone the pitcher will never forget.
Following a home game against Montevallo, Sweeney and two of his teammates were baptized on the baseball field.
“The baptism on the baseball field was a super cool experience,” Sweeney said. “After the game we brought the trough out at home plate and did the baptism in front of the crowd.”
The idea, as he describes it, was sparked in community and faith.
“The whole idea was brought up in a team Bible study earlier that week that really came out of nowhere,” he said. “We were sitting in a circle talking about things that we’ve loved about this year and a teammate of mine, Matt Hock, brought up that he’d love to see someone get baptized on the field this year. Well, that was God’s work, because I had been wrestling with the idea of baptism ever since I played collegiate summer baseball for a Christian ministry. I knew I wanted to, and the Lord put it on Matt’s mind in that Bible study.”
The idea quickly turned into more than a personal step of obedience—it became a shared expression of faith. Hock, the leader of the Bible study, baptized Sweeney. Two other teammates, Logan Harrell and James Dickson, were also baptized.
“Not only was it a success for me, but it was amazing to see that two of my teammates also decided to get baptized right there with me,” he said. “My coaches were extremely happy that they got to witness something like this for the first time at Trevecca.”
The moment reflected a deeper spiritual journey that’s been happening off the field as well for Sweeney.
“Being able to play for Trevecca has done many things for me athletically with my success, but even more in my spiritual journey,” Sweeney said. “All because of this school I found an amazing group of guys who lead Bible studies and d-groups and gave me an opportunity to disciple the men around me.”
Now stepping into his upperclassman years, Sweeney’s not only focused on his performance on the mound, but also on the impact of his testimony. His encouragement to others is grounded in that same faith.
“From an advice standpoint, I’ve always said that one of the best stories you can tell is your testimony,” he said. “There’s nothing better than telling people who Jesus is and what He has done in your life. Give it all to the Father and you will be amazed at what you receive in your life.”