The summer of 2023 nearly brought tragedy to Carlos Correa and his family. A seemingly idyllic day at Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota turned into a harrowing near-drowning experience for the Minnesota Twins shortstop, and a moment that fundamentally shifted his perspective on life and faith. The incident, which Correa recounted to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart this week, wasn’t about baseball statistics or contract negotiations; it was about a father’s desperate fight to save his son.
Correa, then playing for the Twins, was swimming with his three-year-old son, Kylo, when he began experiencing leg cramps. Kylo was wearing a life vest, but Correa was not. He managed to reach a buoy, but lost his footing and slipped beneath the surface, injuring his left hand as he grasped the chain. With Kylo still in his arms, Correa cried out for help, a plea quickly followed by a desperate prayer. “Lord, save me,” he recalled saying, “I promise that if you save me from this, I will serve you and I will serve you forever.”
The urgency of the situation was immediate. Correa’s father-in-law, witnessing the struggle from their boat, immediately jumped into the water and swam towards them with a life vest. The rescue wasn’t swift; Correa clung to the buoy, battling exhaustion and panic, before finally reaching safety. The ordeal, lasting what felt like an eternity, left an indelible mark.
A Promise Made, A Faith Renewed
The near-drowning wasn’t just a physical ordeal; it sparked a profound spiritual awakening for Correa. Just two weeks after the incident, he was traded back to the Houston Astros, a move that coincided with a deepening of his faith. He felt, he explained, that his survival came with a responsibility. “I thought, ‘From that moment on, I will serve you.’ I’m going to fulfill my promise,” Correa told McTaggart. “And from that moment on, I have dedicated myself completely to you.”
This dedication manifested in a renewed commitment to his spiritual life. During the offseason, Correa began hosting weekly Bible study sessions at his home in Houston, inviting friends, family, and teammates. These gatherings quickly became a cherished tradition. “We were doing really fun things, and people were so drawn to it that everyone was looking forward to every Saturday to get together,” Correa said. “It became a tradition, and then I got to spring training and it was hard to leave church at home, but we’re working on doing some things during the season. Maybe before some day games, after Sunday games.”
Correa’s family regularly attends Champions Forest Baptist Church in Houston, and he has expressed a desire to preach. He delivered his first sermon at a retirement home in Houston, an experience described by Pastor Jarrett Stephens as remarkably impactful. “He did wonderfully. He stayed the whole time that people wanted to talk to him, and he talked with each one of them. They were highly happy. They still ask me, ‘When is Carlos coming back?’” Stephens shared with MLB.com.
Beyond the Diamond: A Life of Service
Correa’s faith isn’t confined to weekly studies or sermons. It’s woven into his daily life, influencing his interactions with others and his approach to challenges. He acknowledges that faith is often easier to maintain during times of success, but it’s during adversity that it’s truly tested. “It’s easier to have faith when things are going well, when everything is beautiful, when everything is great and when you are loved, but when you face some tests in your life, how are you going to react?” he reflected. “Some storms don’t come to your life to drown you.”
The 31-year-old shortstop, a three-time All-Star and the first Puerto Rican player selected first overall in the MLB draft in 2012, brings a championship pedigree to the Astros, having won a World Series title in 2017 and a Gold Glove Award. However, his recent experiences have provided a new lens through which he views his platform and his responsibilities. He was unable to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic representing Puerto Rico due to issues securing insurance coverage for his contract, a disappointment he handled with grace and a renewed focus on his commitments.
Correa’s story is a reminder that even those who appear to have it all – athletic success, financial security, and public acclaim – are not immune to life’s unexpected trials. It’s a testament to the power of faith, family, and the enduring human spirit. His commitment to serving others, born from a moment of desperation in the waters of Lake Minnetonka, is shaping not only his career but also his life’s purpose.
Looking Ahead
As Correa enters his twelfth Major League Baseball season, he carries with him a renewed sense of purpose. The Astros start their season with high expectations, and Correa is poised to be a key contributor both on and off the field. He continues to explore ways to integrate his faith into his baseball life, seeking opportunities to share his message of hope and resilience with teammates and fans. The team’s schedule and Correa’s commitment to his spiritual practices will likely lead to continued Bible studies and outreach efforts throughout the season.
What happens next remains to be seen, but Correa’s dedication to his promise – to serve – is unwavering. His story is a powerful example of how a brush with mortality can lead to a life of deeper meaning and purpose.
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