MLB Pitcher’s Viral Video Featuring Biblical Poems

A video of Kade Smith, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, sharing his favorite biblical poems and discussing his faith has gained significant traction on social media. The clip features Smith interacting with fans near the dugout, drawing attention to a poem from 1 Corinthians 6:11, which is embroidered on his gloves close to the Rawlings logo. He engages fans by asking, “Does anyone know this poem on your head?”

He goes on to explain, “This is one of my favorite poems. It’s a universal statement of condemnation. You can ask your parents about it, but it suggests that everyone has sinned—no one is exempt. So, no one is going to heaven alone.” He continues with, “Verse 11 begins with the idea that, although you’ve sinned, you can be washed, justified, and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and the Spirit of God.”

Smith shared how meaningful this poetry is to him. “It really gives me comfort,” he says. “Regardless of how I perform in a game—whether it’s great or not so great—I know I’m washed and justified. That’s something no one can take away from you.”

The 26-year-old right-hander is gaining recognition as one of MLB’s top relievers. Notably, he wasn’t drafted during the 2020 pandemic-shortened draft. Last year, he recorded a 6-1 record with a 1.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts, placing fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting. This season, he stands at 5-4 with a 2.62 ERA and has not allowed a run in his last five appearances.

Before MLB, Smith played at the Mennonite Education Institute in British Columbia and then at the University of Hawaii. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned to Sports Network Cleveland that he tries to avoid comparing himself to others. “It’s not about emulating a specific player for me. I just want to maximize the abilities that God has given me,” he stated. “If I can reach my potential, that’s enough for me.”