Winning off field matters most Edmonton Trapper Doug Bochtler believes winning in life is more important than winning in baseball. by Rob McKinney & Caroline Ubels     Everybody likes to win. And Doug Bochtler, veteran pitcher for the Edmonton Trappers is no exception. When it comes to doing what it takes to win, or telling it like it is, Bochtler doesn't beat around the bush -- er, plate.   "If I'm told to hit somebody with a baseball ... I'm gonna hit them," says Bochtler.   That comment may come as a surprise for some because Bochtler is a Christian.   "Christians are as intense as anybody," states the Trappers' pitcher.   As much as Bochtler enjoyed winning the 2002 Pacific Coast League championship with the Trappers, his main focus in life is on more than winning baseball games.   That's partly due to the fact that the 32-year-old has played in more than 220 games for four major league teams, by far the most on the Trappers. Hešs also played on 12 minor league clubs since his pro debut in 1989. Simply put, he's been around.  It was in 1990, when Bochtler committed his life to Jesus Christ, that his attitude about what mattered most began to change. Bochtler started to see things from God's perspective. As a result, despite not finding his niche in the majors, he's neither disappointed nor bitter about the way his career has turned out.   "I'm thankful," says the 6' 3" 215 lb. right-hander, reflecting on his career.   "The reason that I'm thankful is that I've come to the realization that God's been in control of my circumstances -- like where Išve been and the people that I've come in contact with."   For example, at age 22, Bochtler tore a ligament in his elbow, missing a call-up to the majors. But as a result of his injury, the person he ended up rehabing with came to know Christ.   "It took me a while to realize that God was controlling my circumstances and what He wanted me to do was to react in a godly way," says Bochtler.   He adds, "It wasn't necessarily the money and the glory of being in the major leagues that God was after in my life. It was more that He wanted me to be faithful to Him."   Faithful indeed. Last year he accepted a posting to a Double-A team in Wichita. Considered a slap in the face to most former major leaguers, Bochtler, however, went willingly.   "There were three people who came to know Christ in the first two months that I was there. I mean, was it worth it, to swallow my pride and go to Double-A to be a part of expanding God's Kingdom? Absolutely! There's no question about it."   During his stay in Wichita he was picked up by the Minnesota Twins and assigned to the Trappers, their Triple-A club. While his experience was valued on the field, God used Bochtler as a spiritual mentor to his teammates.   "I started to establish relationships with guys who wanted to deepen their faith. We started this Bible study on the road every night. Just to see the growth in some of the guys, it's amazing that I get to be part of that."   The Trappers have a number of young players who appear destined for the majors. And Bochtler knows what it's like to anticipate the call-up. But, now that he's been there and determined there are more important things in life than playing baseball, his perspective on the game has changed.   "I think God could care less about this game," says Bochtler candidly.   "You get to the major leagues and you think 'Wow, you've really accomplished this!' It's like a big deal. The thing you realize is that it's just like anything else, it's fading. And the thing we continually search for in life is something that's constant.   "A relationship with Christ will be that. It's like the trump card. In all of life we don't have anything else that's constant. So why shouldn't we build our life around that and make Him the focal point of our life rather than some game?"   And what exactly is his relationship with Christ like? Bottle says it's similar to his relationship with his older brother David, a pastor.   "He's someone that I know is always there; he's someone that I look up to, and I respect the way he lives his life. If I don't know something he's someone I call or go to ... he's someone I call to encourage me."   But he states, "In a lot of ways Christ is not like my older brother -- being perfect. It's also different in the fact that I don't need to phone Him to talk to Him. And I don't need to worry about the fact that He's asleep."   Bochtler adds, "I think more than anything, the peace that's provided through knowing Christ is just so far and above anything that I could get from knowing my brother or anyone else."   Bochtler feels therešs a huge need for Christ in todayšs world.   "I really think that deep down anybody who lays in bed at night and sits back and reflects on how they handle situations and treat people, I think everybody knows that they've messed up at some point. Jesus came to earth because we messed it up and we're not good enough."   When it comes to baseball Bochtler might just be good enough to receive a call-up from the Twins to help them capture the World Series. His thoughts on that possibility?   "Well, if that's where I'm supposed to be, that's where I'll be. If not I'll be home with my family."   For Doug Bochtler winning in life means being used by God to touch lives, to which he says, "I'm constantly amazed that God will use us. I don't get it because I know I'm not a good person. Nobody is. But still, God wants to use us.   "That's kind of cool." [LLN-Online] [Adopt-a-Block] [Newsbriefs][Event Calendar] [Lifestyles] [Juke Box] [Cover to Cover] [Movieguide][Casting the Net] [Viewpoints] [General Info] [Rates & Sizes][Marketplace/Classifieds] [Volunteer Ops] [Writing Guidelines] [Contact Us] [Subscribe][Archives][Good News] [About Us][Links]