NEW PODCAST: Dan Naulty, Former MLB Pitcher Turned Pastor

NEW PODCAST: Dan Naulty, Former MLB Pitcher Turned Pastor

Dan Naulty and his wife Cassandra (Photo Courtesy: Dan Naulty)

THIS IS EPISODE 207 OF THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST

PART ONE

Dan Naulty pitched four seasons in Major League Baseball with the Twins and Yankees from 1996-1999. He was a member of the 1999 World Series championship team with the Bronx Bombers.

He was selected in the 14th round of the 1992 MLB Draft by Minnesota out of Cal State-Fullerton, with which he played in the 1992 College World Series.

Naulty was part of the steroid era of baseball and admittedly chose to use steroids, which helped him bulk up from 180 pounds in college to 245 pounds when he reached the big leagues.

Ironically, after winning the World Series, Naulty reached his lowest point and began to have thoughts of suicide. Not long after, he turned to his faith and found new purpose in ministry. He’s now the pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Jenison, Mich.

In Part 1 of our two-part conversation, Naulty shares about becoming a pastor, abuse that he suffered growing up, how that shaped him as a person and an athlete, turning to steroids to help him reach the majors, and how he views elite players from the steroid era as they are considered for the Hall of Fame.

THIS IS EPISODE 208 OF THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST

PART TWO

In Part 2, Naulty shares his testimony, how he came to Christ, the moment he stopped using steroids, and how a celebration after winning the 1999 World Series with the Yankees led him to a place of desperation and ultimately how the switch flipped back to a full commitment to Christ.