I’m a Yankee fan. Sorry, I know lots of fans hate them. It probably makes little sense for a kid from Nebraska to fall in love with a baseball team on the East Coast. Still, I idolized Mickey Mantle during his best years in MLB. However, there was another Yankee who was less known and stood out for more reasons than his ability—Bobby Richardson. One of the highlights of my 28 years of ministry with FCA was hosting Bobby at my FCA Banquet shortly after he led Mickey Mantle to the Lord on his deathbed.

Richardson was a star for the Yankees from 1955-1966. He became the only player selected as the MVP from the losing team in the World Series in 1960. But it was beyond the diamond that Bobby influenced many more people through his incredible gift to tell a story, teach a Scripture, and preach the gospel. While he had a successful coaching career, he will be best known and loved by many within FCA for his willingness to share his faith around the country.

1 Peter 2 – The Peter Principles

Bobby Richardson impacted others for Christ by practicing Peter’s principles in 1 Peter 2:11-12. Here are several assessment questions that go with each principle:

1. Would your teammates be able to identify you as a stone that belongs to God’s temple?
2. Suppose you were accused of wrongdoing in sports. Would your coaches, teammates, or fans be surprised or think this behavior is consistent with your character?
3. Do you compartmentalize your faith, so you’re a “Sunday Christian” only doing your best deeds on that day, or do you let the light of the Holy Spirit shine before others that draw attention to Christ in you?
4. Do you lower your standards around non-believers, or do you maintain your Christian convictions?

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete nurture attitudes and actions that mark them as part of God’s royal priesthood, a chosen race, a holy nation, and a unique people of God.