Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter has only been a Major League Baseball player for a little less than three months, but the 21-year-old has already experienced more success than many players have in their careers.
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Promoted from the minors to the active roster on Sept. 8, as the Rangers positioned themselves for their first playoff appearance since 2016, Carter started hot from the plate and in the field and never looked back. In 23 regular-season games, Carter amassed a .306 batting average with five homers, 12 RBIs and 12 walks. Then, in the playoffs, Carter batted .300 with another homer, six RBIs and 10 walks as the American League’s No. 5 seed captured the franchise’s first ever World Series title by taking down the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
Evan Carter 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rFHFmV92jX
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) November 2, 2023
Carter’s production was a shot in the arm for the Rangers, and their adoring fanbase couldn’t get enough. In support, they bought many of the “Jesus Won” T-shirts that Carter often wore for batting practice and around the clubhouse. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Phoenix has been giving out the shirts for eight years, but Carter’s rising popularity created an opportunity to sell more and raise money for a good cause.
On Oct. 7, Carter said on Instagram, “Our mission is to use the platform that baseball has blessed us with to give back to our community in Carter County, TN. Proceeds from your purchase of a Jesus Won t-shirt will jointly benefit two incredible programs in our community.”
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On Wednesday, the Elizabethton, Tennessee, native made two $35,000 donations with the proceeds from the shirt sales. One went to Elizabethton High School, his alma mater, for its FCA chapter and the Cyclone Dugout Club. The other went to the church Carter attended in Elizabethton, Central Community Christian Church, and its Central Cares program.
“My wife (Kaylen) came up with the idea, and the next thing you know, 50 days later, here we are presenting some really big checks to people,” Carter told WJHL in Tennessee on Wednesday. “And just it’s unbelievable how many people have come together to help us out, and God works in mysterious ways, man. This is really cool.”
At the check presentation, Carter gave some background about how he first saw the shirts in spring training this year and subsequently began wearing them. He also revealed the impact they’ve had already on Rangers teammates, coaches and employees.
“It’s spreading throughout the whole organization,” Carter said. “People who have never really tried to be a part of the Christian faith or anything, or part of a group like that, saw the shirts and started asking questions. It’s just a great opportunity for us to kind of share our faith and spread the Word a little bit.”
Carter promised proceeds from future sales will continue to be donated to good causes.
Carter, who lists Proverbs 3:5-6 in his Instagram bio, said he had worn the shirts all season, and when he got to the majors, he didn’t change a thing. In one of his first interviews as a major leaguer, before his first game with the Rangers, he boldly praised God.
“I’m grateful,” he said while wearing a “Jesus Won” shirt, of course. “I thank God for this opportunity.”
On Carter’s left arm is a tattoo that stands for “God is greater than the highs and lows.” On his right wrist, an ” “I Am Second” bracelet is often found.
Because he was only called up in September, Carter will still be eligible for the 2024 MLB season’s rookie awards. He hopes to continue his stellar play, not primarily to win individual awards or even back-to-back World Series titles, but to honor God and spread the Good News of the Gospel.
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