Justin Edwards entered the world with question marks.
Born with spinal meningitis, an inflammation of the tissue around the spinal cord and brain caused by a bacterial or viral infection, Edwards was not expected to live.
“Every day is a gift,” said Edwards, a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Birmingham Barons.
He has received another gift from God, he said: the talent to play professional baseball.
“I am playing for Him. You know there is a higher power looking over you as you surrender your life to Christ.”
Drafted out of Olympia High School in Orlando, Fla., in the 2006 first-year player draft, Edwards signed with the Chicago White Sox after being recruited by colleges with big-league programs.
“When I was playing in high school, I never thought I’d be recruited by top college teams [like] North Carolina, Georgia, Florida or pro teams. My junior and senior years, I pitched very well,” he said.
A teenager, Edwards was teamed with 20-somethings. “It was a big transition, a young guy being thrown in with 24-year-olds.”
With his journey beginning in Bristol, Tenn., in the rookie Appalachian League, he advanced to the single-A South Atlantic League (Kannapolis, N.C.) and the A+ Carolina League (Winston-Salem, N.C.) before arriving in Birmingham, the White Sox’s double-A affiliate in the Southern League, in 2010.
Through 28 games (27 starts) this year, Edwards has a 4–8 record with a 4.89 ERA and 72 strikeouts.
“I have a deep love for the game. There is nothing that makes me happier than going out and playing ball. The people you meet in this business are extraordinary,” he said.
Edwards also has a deep love for the Lord. He became a Christian on Dec. 4, 2008, in Dallas at a conference sponsored by Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO).
According to its website, the organization equips professional athletes, coaches and their families to “make a positive impact in the world for Jesus Christ” by conducting Christ-centered programs and conferences.
“It changed my life,” Edwards said. “[Events] are held for professional athletes to worship the Lord in a way athletes understand. PAO understands what athletes are going through.”
Through baseball chapel, he has found Christian fellowship with teammates, including Tyler Kuhn. Kuhn played five positions for Birmingham this season before being promoted to Chicago’s triple-A affiliate in the International League.
Edwards and Barons’ first baseman Seth Loman attend a team Bible study and are reading Bill Glass’ book “Expect to Win.”
Loman calls Edwards a “positive influence.”
Edwards is learning how to control times not so positive.
“It’s a very humbling game. The ability to take criticism is one of the biggest things. I’ve done that pretty well. I’ve matured through the years.”
“Whether you are up or down, whether you are playing good or bad, you know you are playing the game for Him. The toughest thing to do is to praise Him when things are not going so hot.”
Edwards claims his favorite verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
He said, “I am keeping a strong faith and keeping a good attitude.”
Known as a finesse pitcher who has the ability to direct the ball where he wants with change-up speeds, Edwards has pitched shutouts through seven and eight innings this season.
Recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2008 after being injured in spring training, he has more immediate goals than reaching the bigs. Edwards wants to decrease walks and the batting averages of left-handed hitters he faces.
Barons outfielder/first baseman Christian Marrero said Edwards “gives us 100 percent. That is all we could ask for. He is a hard worker.”
Edwards said, “I care for my teammates. I want to help them out whenever I can.”
His ability to care for others goes beyond the diamond. He has visited children in hospitals and inmates in prisons.
God has a timeline for him, Edwards said.
“Whether baseball is my career or not, I believe I am going to make a good family man. (He is going to be married Nov. 12). My parents instilled that in me to be a good husband and father.”
During games, Edwards often “steps back” to have a “word” with God.
“I praise the Lord for what He’s done. He’s our heavenly Father and He died for our sins.
“I am thankful for the time He has given me and for being able to play something I love.”
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