In a recent "Daily Bread" article, writer Andrew Klavan told how the late Gary Carter, catching stalwart for the Expos and Mets, influenced his life beyond reportorial commentary. Often in his career across 1974 to 1972 the ever-dependable Carter was playing while injured.
Klavan had recalled the low point of his life when he heard devoted Christian Carter declare "Sometimes you just have to play in pain." This comment not only pulled Klavan out of near-suicidal urges but later led to his conversion as a Christian.
Carter, who died of brain cancer in 2012, would have loved to hear how far and wide was his infuence as a "happy warrior" in a stress-filled game. We never know who is watching.