Baseball

Mariners pitching ace, 'Follower of Christ' Logan Gilbert thrilled with 1st All-Star nod

By Kevin Mercer Jul 10, 2024
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert is on pace for his best season so far in the major leagues, and he was rewarded this week by being named an American League All-Star. It will be the first trip to the Midsummer Classic for the 27-year-old right-hander.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Gilbert told MLB.com on Sunday. “It’s something I’ve always dreamt of as a kid, and I was really hoping it would happen eventually and felt like I had a decent chance this year.”

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Gilbert, in his fourth MLB season, has posted a career-best 2.94 ERA through 19 starting appearances (with an MLB-leading 125.1 innings pitched). He’s struck out 115 batters while conceding only 25 walks, and he’s tied for first in the majors among qualified pitchers with a 0.90 WHIP.

He’s also had three games this season in which he threw eight consecutive shutout innings. His last appearance — an 8-3 win in San Diego on Tuesday — saw him begin the game with six straight scoreless innings. Thanks in large part to his production, Seattle holds a 50-43 record and a two-game lead in the AL West.

As a result, Gilbert has now joined Corey Kluber and Jacob deGrom as the only Stetson University (DeLand, Florida) alumni to make an MLB All-Star Game. A heartwarming video of Gilbert breaking the news to his mom and dad has been making the rounds on social media.

Gilbert credits his parents, Keith and Noel, for supporting him throughout his baseball career and helping him to become one of the best pitchers in MLB. But for Gilbert, his parents’ influence extends far beyond the baseball diamond.

In a radio interview for the Seattle area promoting the Mariners’ Faith & Family Night last month, Gilbert said, “My whole life growing up, my parents are so amazing and really led me to Christ.”

Keith ensured he prayed with Logan and his brother, Tyler, every night before bed, and he talked often about who Jesus was. It was during Logan’s time at Stetson that he came to truly recognize God’s life-transforming power and incredible love for him.

“I have a foundation that’s so much deeper than what I do,” Gilbert said in the radio interview. “… Knowing that, before I even go to a game, I’m already saved. I have salvation. I’m known by the God that created me and the entire world.”

 

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Gilbert has spoken about his faith in Christ before, and he mentions it on social media as well. He calls himself a “Follower of Christ” in his X bio and he lists “Jesus” first on Instagram.

“My faith in Jesus gives me a sense of peace and purpose in my baseball career,” Gilbert told His Huddle in June 2021. “I try to glorify God in everything that I do, and that includes the way I play. I want to be an example that points others to Him.”

He knows it’s Jesus who sustains him in everything he’s called to be, including a baseball pitcher and a public follower of Christ.

“It’s just knowing that I’m not on my own out there,” Gilbert told Play4Him last year. “There are so many Bible verses about Him being with us and Him fighting for us. Everything that I am on the field — all the strength that I have — I get from Him.”

Gilbert will seek to glorify Christ at the All-Star Game on Tuesday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, as he and the rest of his American League teammates will suit up against the National League. The first pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

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