In less than two months, Evan Carter went from playing Double-A baseball to starting in the World Series. At just 21, the rookie outfielder for the Texas Rangers is living “a dream come true”—and praising God in the process.
On Sept. 8, ahead of his Major League debut, Carter told reporters he was grateful to God for the opportunity. For that interview and during batting practice, he was wearing a T-shirt proclaiming “Jesus Won.” Carter singled in his first at-bat that day, helping to spark a turnaround for Texas.
The Rangers, who made it into the postseason as an American League wildcard team, have a 2-1 World Series lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. In game one, Carter became the second-youngest player to drive in the first run of a World Series and the third-youngest player with multiple extra-base hits in a World Series game.
Game four in the best-of-seven championship takes place tonight, Oct. 31, in Phoenix.
Evan Carter’s Quiet, Steady Faith
Evan Carter grew up in a Christian family in Elizabethton, Tennessee, and was active in the First Baptist Church youth group. Youth minister Jason Holly, who also coached Carter in youth sports, told Baptist Press he was a “phenomenal athlete” from a young age. More importantly, Holly added, Carter and his family are very grounded, humble, and gracious. “With his faith, he’s always stayed steady,” Holly said of Carter.
Through a quiet, steady demeanor, Holly said, Carter conveys that “you can be great without being loud, and you can be great without causing problems, and you can be great without being flamboyant.”
Last December, Carter married Kaylen, his longtime girlfriend. About the couple, Holly said, “You can just tell how they treat each other that the Lord is front and center for both of them.” During her husband’s first MLB game, Kaylen Carter told a reporter, “All the glory to God. Without him we wouldn’t be here.”
On social media, Carter recently announced he and his wife have partnered with Fellowship of Christian Athletes to sell “Jesus Won” T-shirts with the player’s initials and number on the sleeve. Proceeds will go to a program at Central Community Christian Church that assists impoverished children.
Rangers Manager Praises Evan Carter’s Joyful Spirit
Evan Carter’s demeanor also has impressed Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who said the rookie “just has a quiet confidence about him.” Not only is Carter “advanced for his age,” Bochy said, but he tackles the job with a joyful spirit.
In response, Carter said, “It’s not worth doing if you’re not having fun…I love the game, and I love playing, I love competing, so, really, it’s a joyful thing for me.”
