Messiah University’s baseball team, the Falcons, made a notable run to the Division III World Series by reorienting their focus from victory to spiritual growth. Led by coach Phillip Shallenberger, the team transitioned from a 1-6 start to a successful season, winning 16 of their next 19 games. This shift was driven by a commitment to Christian values, with players and coaches integrating Bible study, devotionals, and faith-based routines into their daily practices.
The transformation, marked by practices like carrying crosses and inscribing scripture on play-call wristbands, led to a stronger team dynamic and improved performance. Despite losing the final championship match, the Falcons’ journey highlighted the impact of spiritual dedication on athletic success.
Shallenberger, reflecting on the team’s change, said, “It stopped becoming about, like, ‘OK, can we win a national championship,’ and it started becoming, like, ‘How can we point people closer to Christ?’” This reorientation not only influenced their training methods but also their in-game strategies, as evidenced by the use of scripture-based cues during plays. The players’ emphasis on faith over performance fostered an environment of support, leading to significant improvements in both morale and results.
While the team’s season ended with a loss in the World Series, the Falcons’ commitment to their faith continues as they plan to return next year, aiming to build on their success. Their journey has become a testament to the power of spiritual focus in achieving athletic goals.