A Christian baseball player has given thanks to God after his team won the World Series for the first time in over 100 years.
Ben Zobrist was named the Most Valuable Player after playing a key role in helping his Chicago Cubs team to win this title for the first time since 1908.
The thirty-five-year-old has been outspoken about his Christian beliefs throughout his baseball career and also wrote a book with his wife Julianna titled ‘Faith and Family First’.
‘Blessed’
Before he became a professional, Zobrist promised his father that he would “represent God and be a missionary in baseball”.
Speaking about playing a central role in his team’s success, Zobrist told American sports channel ESPN: “I couldn’t have been more blessed to be in that situation.”
He previously discussed his faith during an interview with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
I want people to know that grace is for everyone.
Ben Zobrist
‘Grace’
Zobrist said: “We know that as a Christian athlete, people are watching, and so we want to be the best example that we can be.
“But at the same time, I want people to know that grace is for everyone. We all need grace. We all need Christ.”
He added: “That is the message the whole way we look at everything in our lives.”
The father-of-three took to his Twitter page to thank God after his most recent success.
Don't want to go to sleep yet. I'm still shocked. Thank you Lord for this special blessing. Thank you Cubs fans. #2016WorldSeriesChamps
— Ben Zobrist (@benzobrist18) November 3, 2016
‘Identity in Christ’
This summer at the Olympics, US diving pair David Boudia and Steele Johnson thanked Christ during a TV interview after they won a silver medal.
Speaking to broadcaster NBC, Boudia said, “we both know that our identity is in Christ, and we’re thankful for this opportunity to be able to dive in front of Brazil and in front of the United States. It’s been an absolutely thrilling moment for us”.
Johnson added: “The way David just described it was flawless – the fact that I was going into this event knowing that my identity is rooted in Christ, and not what the result of this competition is, just gave me peace and it let me enjoy the contest”.