Daniel Norris
Daniel Norris
Daniel Norris is a professional pitcher for the Detroit Tigers
Five Increase Questions
What effect does your faith have on your lifestyle?
For me, the process of getting drafted, going through the minor leagues and then making it into the majors was somewhat of a fast track. I was drafted in 2011, had my first pro season in 2012, and then was called up to play in the big leagues in 2014. I think the managers took their time calling me up but at the same time, they didn’t want to waste time either. Looking back, I think God gave me that opportunity to be challenged early on, which I’m really thankful for. I was fortunate to be able to accept that challenge and work hard to prove myself as a big leaguer. With the challenge of competing at the highest level of baseball in front of me, I had to have faith in God’s plan. At the time I was called up I was only 21 and, realizing my dream had come true, I also experienced the pressures that came with performing at that level. I had to rely a lot on my faith in God. And that’s an ongoing process for me — it hasn’t necessarily become harder but neither has it become easier. I have to rely on Him in every moment. I know baseball is what I’m supposed to be doing. I cling to my faith in Christ while I’m working out, training and preparing for the upcoming season. Though I know God’s plan will happen no matter what, I work my hardest to show Him I’m willing to make the most of this opportunity and His plan for my life. When I work hard, I’m working hard for God.
Describe how your Journey with Christ began.
My faith in Christ has been a continual journey. I never really had a big “aha moment.” I’m really fortunate to have grown up in the Church, going every Wednesday evening and twice on Sundays. The truth of God’s Word was embedded in my head and heart at an early age. Having said that, it hasn’t always been an easy journey, there have been trials. I’ve been through a lot of challenges that have tested my faith — times when I’ve really and truly had to trust in God on a deeper level, making sure my faith is dialed in. I’ve learned, time and again, how to rely on God. It’s an interesting story and one that’s still being written.
Who have been the mentors in your life? How did God bring these people into your life?
My pops, he taught me how to live simply and glorify the Lord.
What does the Increase of Christ mean to you?
I want to increase the name of Christ by being the best baseball player I can be so I can give Him all the glory. Yes, I want to play for another 20 years and have a successful career, but ultimately, I know God doesn’t care about that; He calls us to put our pride and personal desires to the side. He cares about me as a person and who I can reach. If that is enhanced through baseball then great, but if not, then I have to find another way to fulfill that duty. God doesn’t care about MVPs, sign-ons or how much money I make, he cares about how we live our lives and who we are touching through our lives. It’s easy to let your dreams of success drive you and be at the forefront of your mind. As a young kid, all I wanted was to be the best baseball player, but as I’ve become older I realize that I’m truly playing for God.
What is your life verse and why?
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” — 2 Peter 3:18 This became my favorite verse in high school when I talked with Josh Hamilton — one of the best players in the league at the time. He shared this verse with me and told me to remember it. It’s a great reminder that no matter what, when or where, all the glory goes to God. I try to live by this truth, not just in baseball, but in every area of my life.
The Power of Your Words - Daniel Norris
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is...
READ MOREThankful for Grace - Daniel Norris
There was a time when we thought there was no chance we’d be able to...
READ MOREGetting Back After It - Daniel Norris
While I was out with COVID, my teammates were continually checking up on me, every...
READ MOREMy Frustrating Battle With COVID - Daniel Norris
After a month of testing positive on and off for COVID-19, I was finally cleared...
READ MOREAppreciating The Little Things - Daniel Norris
Patience has always been an area in which I've needed to grow. For the past...
READ MOREWaiting for the Green Light - Daniel Norris
Obviously it’s been a little bit of a weird year so far. Actually, weird is...
READ MORELocker Room Coffee Shop - Daniel Norris
Everyone needs time to step back and refuel. For introverts, this time is really important....
READ MOREThe Upward Climb - Daniel Norris
I’ve never been one to start New Year’s resolutions; instead, I look at life as...
READ MOREHow We Pray Matters - Daniel Norris
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,...
READ MOREUnexplainable Joy - Daniel Norris
This season we obviously didn't win as much as we’d like to, but we were...
READ MOREWaiting on Him - Daniel Norris
People ask how we manage to keep up morale when we experience loss after loss....
READ MOREWhat is True - Daniel Norris
This season I’m focusing on staying healthy. I feel like this is an ongoing thing...
READ MOREChanging What's Second Nature - Daniel Norris
Last November, I was invited to play in the MLB All-Star Tour in Japan. It...
READ MOREHis Hands and Feet - Daniel Norris
I reached a point in rehab this past season when I realized I really have...
READ MOREIn Hindsight - Daniel Norris
Rehab has been going well so far this year, though not as quickly as I...
READ MOREBack on the Mound - Daniel Norris
Truthfully, there were a few points during my rehab when I thought that I would...
READ MOREToday's Challenge - Daniel Norris
It’s safe to say that this season has not gone for me as I had...
READ MOREA Better Mindset - Daniel Norris
I’ve been on the DL many times throughout my career, and I’ll be on the...
READ MOREBuilt Up - Daniel Norris
This season started out a little differently from what I hoped or expected. I began...
READ MOREHow He Created Me - Daniel Norris
Patience. This is what God has placed on my heart for this season. As I...
READ MOREEasy Distractions - Daniel Norris
We all have things that distract us from God. For me, baseball can easily become...
READ MORELocked In - Daniel Norris
Spring training has begun and it’s so good to be back with everyone, stepping back...
READ MOREA New Normal - Daniel Norris
There are tons of ways to get involved in community outreach. Whether you are reaching...
READ MOREAim for the Best - Daniel Norris
My dad is someone I’ve always really admired and looked up to. Since day one,...
READ MORELiving with Intent - Daniel Norris
Each week, I meet with my mentor from back home to study the Bible. A...
READ MOREFast Track to Faith - Daniel Norris
For me, the process of getting drafted, going through the minor leagues, and then making...
READ MOREA Season of Patience - Daniel Norris
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body...
READ MORE