Home

About the Film

Multimedia

Spokespersons

Event Schedule

Media Resources

Press Release

Christian Gentleman Return to Professional Baseball

New Film Spotlights Today’s Players Who Follow in the Hard-Playing, Clean-Living Tradition of Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson

Atlanta, GA, September 5, 2007 – Mike Piazza. David Eckstein. Mike Sweeney. Jeff Suppan. Jack McKeon. Tom Glavine. Craig Biggio. Sean Casey. Pudge Rodriguez. Jim Leyland. Mike Scioscia. Juan Pierre. Mark Prior. Ozzie Guillen. A.J. Pierzynski. Chris Speier. Rich Donnelly. Sandy Alomar, Sr., Sandy Alomar Jr. and Darrell Miller.
These are the heroes, the champions, of professional baseball today—and not simply because of their batting average. Piazza, Eckstein, and Company are not just great players, they are great human beings, the kind of men that fans idolize, that Moms and Dads can hold up as role models for their kids. In other words they are a lot like “The Christian Gentleman” of old-time baseball, Christy Mathewson, a charismatic, down-to-earth guy who possessed steadfast convictions and a great right arm.
In a new film, Champions of Faith: Baseball Edition, nearly thirty current and former major league players, coaches and managers reveal how their leadership skills, their sense of discipline, their dedication to teamwork are all grounded in their Christian faith. The film is the work of Tom Allen, president and editor-in-chief of the web portal, Catholic Exchange, the man who provided exclusive distribution expense financing for Mel Gibson’s blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. Allen knew that in spite of all the scandals that have sent professional sports (and sports fans) reeling, there were decent men in the game who believed deeply in faith, family, sacrifice, and even humility. In this film, Allen’s all-star line-up of players speak candidly about their faith and how it guides their lives—both on and off the field. It’s inspiring, it’s uplifting, and it restores our faith in the idea that athletes can be worthy of our respect and emulation.
Speaking of his role in the film Mike Piazza said, “I've had some great moments in my life, but being part of this and being able to tell people about my story is one of my proudest moments.”
To schedule an interview with Executive Producer Tom Allen, or one of the Major League Players please contact Ashley Walker at 678-990-9032. High-Resolution images are available for media outlets as well as “B” roll and video-interviews with players.

-30-