5 World Series Champion Dodgers Who Publicly Follow Jesus

Michael Foust

Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

By Michael Foust, Crosswalk.com

The Los Angeles Dodgers edged Toronto in a World Series classic over the weekend, thanks to clutch hitting, timely pitching, and – behind the scenes – a faith that drove many of their stars. The Dodgers won their second straight World Series title by defeating the Blue Jays 5-4 in Game 7, capping a wild Fall Classic that saw Los Angeles win a pair of extra-inning games and steal momentum when Toronto seemed on the verge of its own championship. 

Behind the scenes, multiple Los Angeles players leaned on their faith, saying it’s their source of peace in pressure moments both on and off the field.

Here are five Los Angeles Dodgers who are bold in their love of Christ:

Shortstop Mookie Betts

Betts was instrumental in the Dodgers’ two wins in Toronto, driving in two runs in Game 6 and turning a series-ending double play in Game 7. Betts moved to shortstop during the offseason after primarily playing the outfield and second base. 

Asked by CBN Sports to reflect on God’s grace in his life, Betts responded honestly, “It's huge. I mean, just for me – me moving to short and then praying a lot of prayers and wanting to be a successful shortstop, right? – especially in His image.”

God has “just answered all the prayers,” Betts said.

“As long as you have a relationship with Him, you talk to Him, you come to Him with everything. And I did – and He's definitely led me this far.”

Betts wore a wristband that declared: “God is greater than the highs and lows.”

Pitcher Clayton Kershaw

The future Hall of Famer made only one appearance in the World Series – but it proved to be significant. With the bases loaded in a tie game during Game 3, Kershaw entered in the 12th inning to record a groundout and end the Toronto threat. The Dodgers went on to win that game in 18 innings. It was the final season for the left-hander, who announced his retirement during the offseason. Kershaw is one of the more outspoken Christians in the majors and cited his favorite Bible verse – Colossians 3:23 – during the press conference when he announced his future plans.

“My last thing is my favorite Bible verse. It’s ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as you’re working for the Lord, not for men.’ It’s Colossians. And that’s what I’ve tried to do. Just work at it. Just work at it and love it.”

 

Outfielder Tommy Edman

Edman drove in a run on a sacrifice fly during Game 7’s 5-4 win and finished with eight RBIs and two home runs during this year’s postseason.

“Having your identity in your faith, and in who you are, and with Jesus, is way more important than your success on the baseball field,” Edman told the Sports Spectrum Podcast in 2023. “
 What it really means to be all in for Jesus is it’s something that can definitely transform you.”

His Instagram bio reads, “Follower of Jesus.”

Pitcher Blake Treinen

The right-handed reliever recorded a save in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against Milwaukee and was critical during the Dodgers’ stretch run in August, tallying 14 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA. He often uses Christian music for his walkout songs and also speaks at the Dodgers’ “Faith and Family” events. In 2024, Treinen cited Romans 10:9 while giving his testimony to fans at that year’s faith night celebration.

“Our job is to humble our hearts and admit we are sinners in need of a Savior, and that Jesus paid for it on the cross,” Treinen said, according to Sports Spectrum.

Outfielder Alex Call

Call joined the Dodgers this summer and saw limited plate action during the postseason, batting .364 during a largely pinch-hitting role in seven games, including three World Series appearances. He hit .267 with 31 RBIs during the regular season.

“I think that you can actually perform at your highest when you’re fully surrendered, when you’re fully present in the moment,” he told the Sports Spectrum Podcast in December.

“I think having a relationship with Christ actually allows you to get to that place where it’s like, all right, I know I’ve done the work. 
 Now I’m just going to give it to You.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tom Pennington/Staff

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.

Sponsored Links

Check This Out!

View All