Baseball star “blessed” to be able to return after years of injury

Published: August 16, 2024

Photo from Matthew Boyd's Instagram

Baseball star “blessed” to be able to return after years of injury

By Movieguide® Contributor

Cleveland Guardians starter Matthew Boyd has finally returned to the mound after an injury he sustained a year ago.

According to Sports Spectrum, “The 33-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last year and returned to the major leagues on Tuesday night. He allowed three hits and one earned run in 5.1 innings as Cleveland beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1. He struck out the last nine batters he faced in his first appearance since June 26, 2023.”

In a post-game interview, Boyd expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loves.

“I am grateful to be part of this club,” he said said“I feel really blessed to be here. Today was great. It was a milestone, but it's just the beginning, right? The goal is much bigger.”

His faith in Christ helped him recover.

“It feels like a narrow path right now that's hard to stay on, but I know I'm called to play baseball and glorify Him through the game,” Boyd wrote in a devotional for Sports Spectrum Magazine. “And it's not just a calling, it's what I've been commanded to do until He calls me in another direction.”

Despite years of injury and even changes of clubs, he never lost his faith in God. In fact, this faith brought him closer to Christ.

“I trust God and know He has good things planned for me,” he wrote. “I know He has me and that I am His work. Every time there have been these unknowns in my life, He has worked better than I could have imagined and I know He will again. But I would be lying if I said I haven't asked Him many times, 'When is it going to happen?'”

“I don't have to like the situation, but through my faith in God, I know it's going to be great on the other side,” he added. “That's what gives me peace. I believe my best baseball days are still ahead of me. I still believe I'm going to win the World Series and be one of the best starting pitchers in the game.”

For more inspiring sports stories, visit Sports spectrum.

Not only does Boyd feel compelled to praise Christ on the hill, but he feels the same at home.

He and his wife Ashley co-founded a nonprofit organization called Kingdom Home.

“Kingdom Home's mission is to end child sexual slavery through prevention. We do this by providing a safe place for children who were once at risk of entering the sex trade. It is a place of hope where all of their needs are met. We give the children in our care the tools to live fulfilling lives and make a difference in their communities,” the organization's website states.