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Minister's got game, athletes find out
By JOSH ZIMMER, Times Staff Writer KEYSTONE -- When Doug Gilcrease was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the early 1980s, he seemed that much closer to achieving his dream of playing major league baseball. A smile crosses his face as he recalls those exciting times, full of fun and athletic ambition. But as dreams often do, his came to an end. After starting out at second base in Fort Myers he became a utility player, a change that didn't bode well for his baseball career, he said. And other things were going on in his life, among them a nagging sense of emptiness. "I did the drinking, partying," he recalled. "Did the girl thing. How come I'm not happy? What's missing?" Turns out, for Gilcrease, the answer was God. Now as the Rev. Gilcrease, he continues to mix in athletic circles, though his best moves are off the ball field. As minister to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Athletes in Action, and minister to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays until this season, he has become well known to many local ballplayers. Bucs players rely on his guidance to widely varying degrees -- from no contact at all to weekly Bible study meetings. The 41-year-old father of six who lives on Copeland Road in southern Keystone has intense blue eyes that match a friendly but very confident demeanor. Players compliment his combination of skills as both a man of the book and a former athlete, which allows him to relate well with people whose lives often are much more complicated than their riches would indicate. Professional athletes can face a dizzying array of choices and pressures when they hit the big time, Gilcrease said. From relatives and friends who pinch them for favors to temptations -- beautiful women, for instance -- the successful life can often be disappointing. Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks, a regular contact, called Gilcrease "an upstanding person. Actually, he's been a tremendous spiritual presence since I got here." So far, head coach Jon Gruden is supportive. Under former head coach Tony Dungy, a professed religious man, there never was any doubt. "I'm just there to be available," said Gilcrease, who joins the team on away games. After ending his baseball career in 1986, he worked odd jobs, including a stint as a bank supervisor. Three years later, shortly before marrying his wife, Stephanie, the Atlanta native began working for Athletes in Action. Their jobs with Athletes in Action, which farms out ministers and volunteers to sports programs around the world, took them to the University of Kansas. Former Bucs head coach Sam Wyche agreed to allow Athletes in Action to provide a minister to his players. That was 1992. He has been with the Bucs ever since. In his talks with players, Gilcrease said he tries to be relevant. For example, he said he might discuss the true meaning of manhood in Jesus' eyes to his larger-than-life flock. On game days, he brings up spiritual issues that, while not directly addressing the game, are intended to prepare the team for top performance. Attendance for those sermons is always higher, he said. Gilcrease believes he has learned the rewards of giving -- to his players and his family. He left the Rays at the end of last season to spend more time at home. "It's amazing how rich that is . . . knowing your life is mattering in somebody else's life," he said.
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From the Times |
