Gary never imagined the path his life would take. He grew up in a loving home with his parents and three older brothers. The youngest of four boys, he had plenty of role models around him. His father was a professional baseball player before later becoming a coach. His cousin, Bill Mazeroski, famously hit the winning home run in the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
But along with a love for baseball, addiction also ran in Gary’s family. It became a shadow over his life at a young age. Gary took his first drink when he was 13 years old, just trying to fit in with other teenage friends. Soon, alcohol became a steady presence, and by 17, cocaine had entered the picture on a regular basis.
Gary never imagined the path his life would take. He grew up in a loving home with his parents and three older brothers. The youngest of four boys, he had plenty of role models around him. His father was a professional baseball player before later becoming a coach. His cousin, Bill Mazeroski, famously hit the winning home run in the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
But along with a love for baseball, addiction also ran in Gary’s family. It became a shadow over his life at a young age. Gary took his first drink when he was 13 years old, just trying to fit in with other teenage friends. Soon, alcohol became a steady presence, and by 17, cocaine had entered the picture on a regular basis.
Gary joined the Army briefly after high school, but a head injury caused a childhood speaking impediment to come back even stronger. Gary could no longer speak clearly, so the Army medically retired him.
Gary then went to college, where he played baseball as expected. After college he had a tryout with the Minnesota Twins and played baseball in Florida. But his abuse of cocaine and alcohol continued to grow worse. After college, the consequences of Gary’s substance abuse disorder began to pile up in rapid succession – six DUIs, damaged relationships, and a growing sense that his life was spiraling out of control.
Eventually, things became unbearable and Gary found himself homeless. Coming from a respected and prestigious family, it was a crushing blow for him. That’s when Gary’s brother, a pastor, told him about Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC). Something in Gary’s heart stirred and he agreed to go. Saying yes to that moment changed everything.
At PAATC, Gary encountered Jesus in a way he had never before. He didn’t just learn about Him, he surrendered to Him. He joined the choir, traveling to churches, prisons, and schools all over the Northeast and Midwest, sharing his story and discovering a calling to ministry.
After completing the program, Gary took Bible classes and soon stepped into an opportunity he could never have imagined. He became the Chaplain for the Montreal Expos. Every Sunday, he preached to players from both the home and visiting teams, right there in the dugout. For Gary, it was like God had woven together his love for the game and his passion for the Gospel.
And other miracles are layered into Gary’s story, too. After year of struggling to communicate after the Army, now whenever Gary preaches, his speech impediment all but disappears. “God’s power is on display in my life. It’s no longer me talking and preaching; I rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through me.” Today, Gary continues to share the message that transformed his life — that no matter how broken you feel, God can restore you and use your story to reach others.
During National Recovery Month, I invite you to partner with us to reach more men and women who have stumbled and needs someone to believe in them and remind them there is hope. Together, we can continue to shine the light of Christ into the darkest places and celebrate the miracle of recovery.
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