When people think of baseball, few can relate religion to America’s pastime. There is a preconceived notion that baseball players live without faith or religious conviction. Jonathan Holt defies this idea.
Holt, a junior closer in his first year at UT, is one of the rare Spartan athletes who have openly displayed their faith during competition. Beginning at age 12, Holt started a ritual where, before taking the mound, he knelt down in the infield grass and said a prayer before drawing a cross into the dirt. Eight years later, Holt continues the same ritual every time he takes the mound for UT.
“I grew up in the church and started praying on the mound when I was 12,” said Holt. “I don’t really know what made me start. But it just happened, and it’s been a routine for me ever since.”
During his junior year of high school Holt broke his elbow and was unable to play for almost a year. It was at this time when Holt said his faith really helped in his recovery.
“It was a really difficult time for me. But I trusted in my faith, and everything worked out. I was able to come back and play the game I love,” said Holt. “I’m very fortunate that everything worked out, and I found that I cherished the game a lot more after it was taken away.”
Many times there are athletes on television thanking God, but we question whether they keep the same faith during tough times. Holt has been through many hardships, including the arm injury during high school. However, he said his faith has helped him get through the difficult situations.
“I believe things happen for a reason, and we are never handed something we can’t handle,” Holt said. “It will only make us stronger.”
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Holt was named Sunshine State Conference Player of the Week for his performances against Catawba last weekend. Holt saved two out of the three Tampa wins in the series, striking out seven batters in three innings.
“It was an honor,” said Holt. “It was truly a testament to the team. I can only save games if we get ahead and when the offense gives me big leads to work with it makes it a lot easier.”
In his four appearances of the year Holt has given up two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. Opponents are hitting just .214 against him.