In a packed stadium in Denver, Dave Jauss took the mound to pitch to Pete Alonso in the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. It was a fun evening and a highlight in his 30-plus years in professional baseball. He was proclaimed the newly appointed BP (Batting Practice) GOAT, becoming an internet sensation. When Dave’s son told him he went viral on Twitter (now X), Dave said, “What does that mean?” Notoriety isn’t important to Dave.
Baseball life has taken Dave and his family to live in over 15 cities and towns in the US, as well as in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Over the years, they have faced many challenges along with successes.
Dave started coaching baseball the day after he finished his college playing career. Most college players dream of playing professionally, and if they don’t get that opportunity, it’s one of three reasons: they were hurt, had lousy coaching, or weren’t seen by professional scouts.
Dave’s never been hurt; he still throws batting practice daily during the season. His high school baseball coach is in the Illinois High School Hall of Fame, and his college basketball coach is in the National Basketball Hall of Fame. His college baseball coach was head of the NCAA Rules Committee and a renowned amateur baseball coach, so he had good coaching.
Eight players signed professional contracts in his last year at Amherst College, but he was not one. He says he only went into coaching immediately because of “a complete lack of ability.”
He was at his lowest point at the height of his professional career, including the 1999 Home Run Derby and managing and winning the Caribbean Series Championship for the Dominican Republic. He realized the damage his career dreams did to his marriage and family. He and his wife separated. Slowly, his life was falling out of control. He knew something had to change.
“I was in control. At least that’s what I thought.” Dave Jauss had plans for his career and his life. He took pride in always doing the ‘right thing.” But something was missing. “I had a hole in my life that neither my wife, my family, nor my career in professional baseball could fill.”
What he felt and made meaningful was what the outside world saw and placed importance on. It left a big hole in his heart. He’d lost what mattered or counted.
Through much work, his marriage came back together. He opened his mind, heart, and ears to the Lord’s knocking. Until then, he was too concerned with outward perceptions to be aware of Him.
He and his wife began attending church, searching for some answers to help all that was wrong. There, he learned what a relationship with Jesus Christ is about, and the hole in his heart was filled.
Outside of the many behavioral changes, the most crucial point of change was when his intent of doing things changed. Everything begins and ends with pleasing the Lord.
He confesses that it doesn’t mean he handles and accomplishes it daily. However, his identity has changed from what others think of him to being a child of God, and he is grateful for every opportunity the Lord gives him to share his faith in his work and life.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving,” Colossians 3:23-24.
We are to consider all our work and accomplish it in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. When we do things to please people, we are acting for affirmation from others, not the truth that lives within us. Pleasing people, our biggest fear is rejection. Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to do things in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Our priority should be serving others as if we are serving God himself.
When Dave recommitted his life to Jesus, he was mentored and discipled by Pastor Dave Hill and Baseball Chaplain Walt Day. They both guided him to use his baseball platform to share his testimony and glorify God.
Then, Dave and his wife committed their baseball life as their mission field. In everyday interactions from players, coaches, media, fans, and opponents to organized events, they share what the Lord has done in their lives. They’ve found never-ending opportunities to serve the Lord when they focus on Jesus.
Now, Dave has the opportunity to work in a profession that he loves with some wonderful people God has shared with him. He’s had some exciting experiences, from being part of the 2004 World Series-winning Red Sox to winning the HR Derby in 2021, throwing to Pete in Denver.
However, the most important thing in his life is his relationship with Jesus. Nothing is more impactful than knowing and having a relationship with Jesus, worshiping Him, and leading others to Him.
If there’s a hole in your heart, fill it with Jesus. Will you pray as Dave has, repenting of the sin in your life and asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior? When you pray to receive Jesus Christ by faith, the hole in your heart can be filled with joy and peace. You are known by a loving God!