Ethan Chapman’s dream to make it to the Big League level hasn’t happened yet. This past winter, Ethan signed to play 2017 in the Mexican League (AAA level) with the Vaqueros Union Laguna club.

Off the field, he’s a husband and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. His faith is at the center of who he is as a person.

Today is the eleventh of a season-long diary that Ethan is going to share with us as he continues his battle through minor league baseball and his quest to make it to the Big Leagues.

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In my last journal, I wrote about fear. We all have some sort of thing we worry or stress about. It could be our jobs, money, children, the future, etc. As Christians we know that Jesus died on the cross and rose 3 days later, conquering death. This allows us to rest in his promise and not the worries or cares of this life. 

One of the things I fear is the future. This is probably because I can’t control the situation most of the time. In my career there isn’t a whole lot of job security. I am always keeping my options open and preparing myself for the day I can’t play baseball professionally anymore. It’s not a matter of if but when this will happen. 

I wrote last week about the possibility of getting a winter ball job playing baseball in Mexico. Though it was unlikely, we submitted that request to God and let go of it. There was nothing we could do to control what would happen.

We recently found out I got drafted by a team in Los Mochis Mexico called The Cañeros!!! This opportunity will be able to provide for my family and allow us to travel while allowing me to play the game I love. We are very grateful for this opportunity!!

In baseball you can workout hard, hit countless balls off the tee, have the perfect mental approach, hit every ball hard in the game and still not have any hits. You have to trust the process, focus on the approach not on the results.

This is the same with our spiritual life. Put in the work, and when the “game” comes, trust God’s plan. 

There are many things in life we aren’t in control of. This shouldn’t cause us to worry or stress, but provide us with an opportunity to give it up freely to God and trust His plan is better than the one we had in mind. 

Philippians 4:6- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

E. Chapman 

Impact People

Through 78 games with Vaqueros Union Laguna in the Mexican League, Ethan is batting .270 with 5 HR, 22 RBI, 41 Runs Scored, and 17 Stolen Bases. 

To read Ethan’s previous journal entries from this season, click here.