Scott Lantis, a captain, four-year starter, and outspoken leader on the Charger baseball team, shares about his experience as part of the Charger Family and how baseball has been a medium for him to share his love for Christ with others on and off the diamond.
What is your role as one of the captains of the team?
As a leader on the team, I try to have a servant leadership mentality. My role is ultimately to recognize that we have 38 guys, 38 personalities, 38 individuals; maintaining the good of the whole is the number one priority. The Lord has given each of us platforms and opportunities to show His love, and one of my platforms is being a captain of the baseball team. None of us can win the GLIAC on our own. I play a small part in directing that whole mentality on the team as a leader. The success of the team comes first. I enjoy having the opportunity to influence the team uniquely from the player perspective. I cherish the opportunity to share the most important thing in my life, Christ, with teammates and grow in faith with them as well as play baseball.
What are the goals of the team?
Well, we have individual goals and team goals. The most important thing is having the individual goals. Baseball is a team sport based on the individuals so every teammate has to have goals. But as a team it’s simple: A. Make the GLIAC tournament and B. Win the GLIAC. I wholeheartedly believe those are attainable. We can definitely get to the tournament. Once you get to the dance, anything can happen.
How are teammates held accountable for their individual goals?
Practices are very structured this year. The way practices are run forces you to be accountable. We have 18 freshmen, but also a large amount of upperclassmen. We have the mentality and such strong relationships that we have a great atmosphere for corrective criticism. We’ve done a great job of that this year. If one person is out of whack then the whole team is going to suffer, it’s just the nature of baseball. You’re only as strong as your weakest link. We have so many guys that there is competition for every spot. There is good, healthy competition on the team for playing time. Guys are stepping up.
Why do you play baseball?
When it comes down to it, baseball is something I do, not who I am. Baseball is a means to an end. And the end is glorifying God and baseball is just the platform. I play to honor and glorify my Lord and Savior. I just want to give Him the honor and the glory. I want to show Christ to others. To boast a little on behalf of the Charger baseball team, Christ is working within the team. I get a lot more out of seeing Christ work within the team than I do from beating Grand Valley and that says a lot because I freaking love beating Grand Valley.
How do you glorify God through baseball?
Baseball is the most humbling game. You a get a hit three out of 10 times and you’re always facing failure. When I strike out, get benched, or make an error, those are the opportunities to define my character. I try and focus on being intentional, to be Christ-like when adversity strikes. We get to be in constant contact with strangers- our competitors. We play strangers three times a week; I would hope that at some point another guy on a team would admire my attempt to be Christ-like through my good sportsmanship. This year I’m excited; we will be inviting the other teams to pray with us after the game and that is great.
This year you’ve selected “God of Wonders” as your walk-up song. Why?
I’m very excited about that this year. It’s one of my favorite songs. Think about it as a walk-up song: you’re walking up to battle the pitcher and are trying to get pumped up. It’s a great reminder that this at bat doesn’t define me. This is just a platform to glorify God. I love having worship music to remind me how great my God is and that the outcome is in His hands every time I battle in the batter’s box.
Is there a way for you to share your faith and grow with teammates off the field?
We have a team bible study that’s in its third or fourth year. This year 21 out of the 38 guys have attended; that is amazing. We have a strong group of Christians on the team and it’s really encouraging and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play the sport I love at Hillsdale. It’s just amazing and I love it.
Do you have a future in baseball after Hillsdale?
Hillsdale will be the end of my baseball career. I want my last game to be in a Hillsdale uniform. I want the purity of the game to be intact as I see it now—perfect at Hillsdale. The school has been so good, and when the season is done it will be time to hang up the spikes. I’m ready to move on to something else. It’d be nice to get the GLIAC championship under my belt to end the season. But, greater things are hopefully in store for me and I plan to keep glorifying God in whatever opportunities He provides.
-Compiled by Matt Melchior
