Alberta pitcher shines for

Alberta pitcher shines for

Atlanta Braves
by Doris Fleck

Chris Reitsma is living out his childhood dream of being a Major League Baseball pitcher. But it’s a dream that almost turned into a nightmare and tested his Christian faith.

In the spring of 1996, the 18-year-old Calgarian entered the record books as the first Canadian taken in the opening round of the Major League Baseball draft. As Reitsma was working his way up the professional ranks he became known for his blistering fastballs, clocked up to 96 miles an hour. It was while unleashing one of his bullets early in the 1997 season that the bone in his pitching arm suddenly snapped in two. The crack was so loud, Reitsma said it could be heard all over the stadium.

After reconstructive surgery, Reitsma began pitching too soon and re-fractured his arm. Wondering if he would ever pitch again, Reitsma took comfort in the words of Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Now at age 26, in his fourth year of professional baseball, Reitsma has been traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Atlanta Braves as one of their key relief pitchers.

In an interview at Olympic Stadium earlier this year, where the Braves were taking on the Montreal Expos, Reitsma said, "Thankfully I’ve been healthy since 1998. My arm hasn’t been a problem; it’s been a blessing. I’m going to play hard until I can’t do it anymore. I feel like I’m here for a reason and I’m just going to be faithful and follow God."

Reitsma’s mother, Ruth, a teacher at Calgary Christian School, said both Chris and his wife Janelle are being very intentional about using the privileges God has given them because "they don’t know how long this is going to last."

His father, Mike, formerly the senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church said, "Chris realizes that if he hurts his arm one more time, that’s it. He’s only one pitch away from not being able to pitch again."

The Braves general manager, John Schuerholz, has called Reitsma, "an absolutely outstanding pitcher" and "one of the top guys in the business." But even after such high praise and signing a one-year contract for $950,000, Reitsma’s focus is not on fame and fortune.

"I’m human and I need God’s help everyday," he admitted.

Although Reitsma hopes to play at least 10 years in the big leagues he explained his goal is "to be a good father and husband first and foremost. That’s the most important thing in terms of my life here on earth."

Although many people calculate accomplishment in terms of personal possessions, both Mike and Ruth emphasized that an abundance of money has not caused their son to change his lifestyle.

"They haven’t gone out and bought a new Hummer," Mike joked.

Ruth commented, "They have definitely been giving to very worthwhile Kingdom causes. I respect them that way; they’re trying to make a difference in the right places."

Reitsma claimed that although many people see Major League Baseball as a glamorous sport, it has its drawbacks.

"I don’t go to church for eight months of the year, so it’s difficult," he said. Encouraged by a group of strong believers on the Braves team, Reitsma explained, "We hold a prayer meeting 30 minutes before every game and we do a chapel once a week and that’s great."

But Reitsma struggles with a grueling schedule that takes him away from home far too often for his liking.

"At the end of the season we play 162 games in 180 days. After that you’re mentally and physically done," he said. "I remember last year I got home and I didn’t want to do anything for two weeks. I was just so burnt out. It’s a grind but that’s what we have to do."

Reitsma credits his "awesome" wife, Janelle, for creating a strong family life by supporting him and taking care of their two young daughters.

"We see God’s hand on Chris’ life, even in meeting Janelle at such a young age," Ruth commented. "He was only 19 when he got married. That was all in God’s plan. He knew Chris needed a good wife at a young age to help him do what he’s supposed to do."

In the off-season, Reitsma and Janelle bring their two young daughters back to Calgary to spend time with their extended families.

While in town Reitsma has spoken to various groups including the high school students at Calgary Christian School.

Ruth explained that her son encouraged the youth to know who they stood for and what they believed before they got out in the world. "He knows he can influence them because of his position and that’s a real privilege."

Mike was enthusiastic in his admiration of his son. "I’m proud of him for what he’s done and I’m thankful for who he is as a person."

Ruth quickly added, "And that means who he is as a Christian and who he is as a family man and a husband. And he’s such a good dad and husband and son. That’s success when you’re living God’s way. And he is."