Strike three! You’re out!

Atlanta Braves.

Kansas City Royals.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Japan).

Kia Tigers (Korea).

Navegantes del Magallanes (Venezuela)

Anthony Lerew could have played football or baseball at Penn State, but with riches begging to be earned as a professional athlete, the future was paved with gold for Anthony in 2001 when he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. This article isn’t about that.

This dude has literally played professional sports all over the world, and he threw a “no-no” (that’s a no-hitter for you non-baseball fans) in Venezuela. This article isn’t about that.

Anthony nearly lost his life after spiraling out of control and combining a motorcycle ride and enough alcohol to kill a mule. This article isn’t about that.

Anthony turned his life around, started and manages a thriving business, and is Leading his family in ways that he never dreamed during his playing days. This article isn’t about that, but we are getting closer.

I first met Anthony after he shared his testimony during our Sunday School class at church. He is a big ol’ joker, covered in tattoos, and looks like he could still play pro ball. I had seen him around before, but I didn’t know him or his story. He is the kind of guy who looks like he has a good one . . . or two or three.

Since we met in 2023, I have witnessed Anthony Lead several times in ways that are much harder than doing an extra-good job at work. When he sees someone heading towards a path of self-destruction, he does not sit idly by, he initiates; he gets involved. He loves people enough to Lead even when they do not want to be led.

I have not known Anthony very long, but I already feel like I know him very well. He is an open book. If you spend five minutes with him, you’ll quickly discover his love for people and Jesus.

I have seen him repeatedly step into people’s lives when others have stepped out. I have seen him and his family invite people into his home after others have kicked them out. He is a great example of “if you see something, say something.” He is unafraid to risk upsetting someone if it means potentially saving their job, marriage, life, or eternity. Anthony Lerew is a fearless Leader.