By Ryne Turke
A St. Louis Cardinals standout was the highlight of the recent Western Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) banquet.
More than 400 people packed Twister Tree Music Hall on Sunday, Nov. 1 to hear from Redbird second baseman JJ Wetherholt.
Wetherholt says he and so many others in the Cardinals organization love taking the opportunity to support the FCA and the organization’s vision of growing coaches’ and athletes’ relationships with Jesus and His church.
“It’s a ministry that changed my life,” says Wetherholt. “It means so much to me, and anytime I’m available to give back and speak, I’m happy to do that.”
St. Louis Cardinals baseball player JJ Wetherholt talks with audience members.
Western Illinois FCA Director Todd Sweatman says Wetherholt was a great representation for the yearly event.
He shares, “Having someone of JJ’s standing brings attention and credibility to the work of FCA. JJ captures the attention of athletes that you and I just can’t do!”
Sweatman notes this was the biggest crowd for the Western Illinois FCA banquet since they welcomed Darryl Strawberry.
The funds raised at the banquet make it possible to host future events and opportunities of this scale for the FCA. While in town, Wetherholt also met with the Jacksonville Middle School boys baseball team for a Q&A at Future Champions Sports Complex.
Crimson infielder Landon Hackett says it was a special experience.
“It was really cool getting to hear from someone who plays at the highest level and learning how God helped him get to where he is today. JJ talked about how much hard work he put in when he was younger, even when things got tough, to reach his goals. It was a great reminder that if you work hard and don’t give up, you can accomplish great things,” shares Hackett.
Wetherholt, a finalist for NL Rookie of the Year, provided a jolt to the Redbird lineup, batting .242 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs. Fresh off a 75-win season, he says the Cardinals are looking to get back to the winning standard the fans are used to seeing.
“It’s a cool time to be in that clubhouse trying to find ways to get better and push ourselves every day. We have a really good foundation, and a lot of our players, including me, are going to have to make the jump.”
Wetherholt says it’s an honor to play for “one of the best clubs to ever do it.” He hopes a year of experience with the same young core will bring more success to St. Louis.
“Teams that stick together really well and have chemistry always put themselves ahead. I was watching some videos today, getting some emotions back and wanting to get out there.”
For more information on the Western Illinois FCA and its mission, visit westernilfca.org.
