Sermons from the Mound, with Former MLB Pitcher Chris Hammond

Faith is a powerful influence. It has helped shape men, women, teams, cities, and even countries. Our guest today has been greatly influenced by his faith and uses his experiences as a platform to spread it to other.

Chris Hammond, a 14-year veteran of Major League Baseball and a Birmingham, AL native, joins Dr. Bhrett McCabe in this episode to discuss his faith and his foundation, The Chris Hammond Youth Foundation. Through this foundation, Chris can spread his faith to young people across the country.

In 1984, Chris was awarded a baseball scholarship and attended the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

In 1985, he transferred to Gulf Coast Community College in Florida where he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the Amateur Baseball draft in 1986. After playing in Tampa, Chattanooga, and Nashville, he finally broke into the Major Leagues in 1990 with the World Champion Cincinnati Reds.

Chris pitched for the Cincinnati Reds from 1990 until 1992 when he was traded to the Florida Marlins for their Inaugural Team. As a starting pitcher, he pitched for the Marlins until 1997. As a free agent, he signed with the Boston Red Sox where he played only one season, and then returned to the Marlins in 1998 after which he decided to retire from baseball.

Spending two years at home to help his wife, Lynne, during her difficult pregnancy with their second child, Chris returned to baseball in 2002 for a historic season with the Atlanta Braves. It was in Atlanta where he made history by being one of only three pitchers to finish a season with an ERA under 1.00 with a minimum of 70 innings pitched. Here, Hammond finished 7-2 with an ERA of a whopping 0.95!

Again, a free agent, Hammond signed with the American League Champion, New York Yankees in 2003. They signed him to a two year deal, but traded him to the Oakland A's the following season. Hammond found his niche in more bullpens after, following up with the Padres and finally the Cincinnati Reds again. Hammond retired from Cincinnati in 2006 to again spend time with his family. Hammond is proud to watch his children grow and spread his faith through whatever venue he is given. Chris is passionate about reaching youth for Christ in all areas, but continues to assist the youth in rural areas where help is needed.

Chris's foundation, The Chris Hammond Youth Foundation provides financial assistance in construction and/or maintenance of recreation and athletic facilities for young athletes. For more visit www.hammondyouthfoundation.com

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