What’s it like to be a major league baseball umpire? If you’ve been following the excitement of the World Series – especially Saturday night’s game-deciding rare call by an umpire – you should love this story. Even if you don’t watch baseball, you can still probably relate to the human tendency to “wear the mask” or hide behind a veneer of performance, appearance and staying on top of your game. Following Jesus allows us all freedom to truly live beyond the mask.

 Ted Barrett is an umpire crew chief – one of only 17 in the major leagues. He follows Christ with a passion. As a college student athlete over 25 years ago, Ted started to become grounded in the Word through the help of staff and students involved with Cru. Today he has a huge influence over other umpires in the major and minor leagues.

Praise the Lord for His work in Ted’s life. You’ll enjoy his story – written for WorldWide Challenge magazine by Avery and Addison’s piano teacher, Mrs. Amber Wiley, who is also a Cru staff member and talented writer.