In the Big Inning - by John Strege (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In a captivating journey through the heart of faith and the arena of sports, In the Big Inning invites you to explore the profound intersection where Christianity and athletics converge. With eloquence and passion, the author weaves his personal experiences, his love for sports, and his unwavering faith into a tapestry that celebrates the indomitable spirit of both realms.

From Tim Tebow using his eye black to prompt people to read John 3:16 to Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker's declaration that prayer guides his life to Steph Curry's expert use of social media to share his faith with millions, In the Big Inning invites you to witness the joy, the trials, and the triumphs that make up the intricate tapestry of a life well-lived in the pursuit of faith and the embrace of the game.

Review Quotes

"Endless admiration and respect for John in writing such an important book on a topic often ignored, a remarkable effort focusing on athletes, not because of their athletic accomplishments, but for the insights on their resolute commitment to their faith that has guided them. John's own faith journey and internal challenges faced while surrounded by so many with a different perspective is forthright and authentic and his frequent use of Bible verses is impactful. You will check your emotions when reading the exchange between Bobby Richardson and Mickey Mantle in the latter's final days. The long wait for this kind of book required an appropriate and skilled person of faith to step forward in due time. That time is now."

-Tim Mead, former president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY

When was the last time a book's introduction gave you a shiver? Mine was when I read the introduction to John Strege's In the Big Inning. I defy anyone who is a fan of any sport and a believer, no matter the denomination or depth of faith, to not finish the introduction and to continue reading, maybe for what you might guess is the exchange recounted between Coach Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow, and I will admit that is the sort of story one reads books to collect and keep handy for many conversations. But that isn't it. It's the Rafer Johnson anecdote and that's all I will say. Read it. I will add that while Strege writes "some players and a manager, familiar names, who emphatically would have argued that" Strege wasn't a good sportswriter, anyone who follows the business knows that's not true. Strege is a master of a difficult art-conveying competition in print-and those he has covered and those he has served know that. What they won't know until they read In the Big Inning is that John came to work every day with an unfair advantage of absolute faith that God was running the show. What an advantage to a writer. To every player and coach. To every reader. Please, if you love sports or God or preferably both, read this. It will change how and why you witness. It will inspire even as it entertains. And it will give you courage for the day ahead. Thanks to every athlete and coach and manager who spoke to John for this book. It should be a staple of school libraries and locker rooms for years to come and it will teach everyone who reads it never to be ashamed of the Gospel "because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes." Especially if you have to live with winning and losing with audiences large and small watching and judging. Get a second copy and send it to any young man or woman engaged on the fields of play in any sport. They will thank you.

-Hugh Hewitt, host of the nationally syndicated Hugh Hewitt Radio Show, panelist on Fox News Channel's Special Report with Bret Baier, Washington Post columnist, Chapman University law professor, and former assistant White House counsel in the Reagan administration