Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto grounds his identity in Jesus — nothing else.
Realmuto works with Travel Chapel, a ministry where “baseball and faith intersect. Through real athletes and real stories, we inspire players, families, and fans to live with purpose, strength, and integrity on and off the field.”
In an interview with the organization, he encouraged fellow baseball players to “chase after Jesus before you’re chasing after baseball. I think if your foundation in life is baseball or anything material that is fleeting, it’s not going to be good for you.”
“And in the long run, any of those things can fade. But the one constant and the one thing that’ll be here your whole life, and the one true love that you’ll know is going to be Jesus,” he continued. “So, chase after that with all your heart, and good things will come from that…[That] doesn’t mean you’re going to make to the big leagues, but He’s going to fulfill you and satisfy you.”
Realmuto grew up knowing that God was real, but he was stuck trying to earn God’s love. It wasn’t until he met his wife that he learned to give God his heart.
“I grew up believing in God my whole life, so I was a Christian. She showed me what it really meant to follow Jesus and to chase after His heart,” the catcher explained. “I was kind of living more under the works-type of Christianity, like I was chasing after trying to do good things so that I could reach God, as opposed to like letting Him reach me and just be myself, receive the grace, and not try to chase after perfection because I was never going to live up to that.”
Related: Phillies Catcher J.T. Realmuto: ‘I Thank God For Being Able To Play This Game’
In May, J.T. and his wife, Lexi, hosted a faith and family night after one of the games. The event included a message, player testimonies, and worship from NEEDTOBREATHE.
They hosted a similar event in July 2025.
“On Sunday, J.T. and Lexi Realmuto hosted friends, family, and fans at the ballpark for a special night of unity, inspiring conversation and music as part of Faith and Baseball Night,” the Phillies shared on Instagram.
You might not be a professional baseball player, but Realmuto’s reminder rings true no matter what you do — your identity needs to be grounded in who God says you are, not what the world says.
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
