RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

Lance Cormier, relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays

By Mark Darnall and Bruce Darnall

The quote “Trust in God’s timing; it is always right,” seemed to fit perfectly for twenty-nine year old relief pitcher, Lance Cormier of the Tampa Bay Rays. The right hander grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he was a two-time baseball all-state player and district MVP. His senior year Cormier was drafted in the 40^th round by the Cincinnati Reds. Born to Bobby and Charmaine Cormier, Lance and sister Heather, were introduced to hard work and honest living from the wonderful work habits of their parents. Although neither went to college, Lance’s parents emphasized getting a college education. He graduated from Lafayette, LA High School with honors in 1998.

Lance headed for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa on scholarship to pitch for the Crimson Tide. It was there that things really began to fall into place in several areas of his life including his Christian faith. Although he received his early instruction in the Catholic Church, it was through an experience in the fall of 1998 at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting his freshman year at Alabama that jump started his personal journey with the Lord. Lance and his roommate, Erik Smallwood who was a Tide teammate and still a close friend and brother in Christ, went to hear a high school football player share his testimony and talk about his relationship with his Lord. The football player had been in a serious accident which resulted in the player losing his leg. Yet, through the ordeal he came to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. The testimony hit Lance like a ton of bricks and he shared “I wanted to develop the kind of relationship with the Lord as the football player. It was that evening I gave my life over to Christ.” Shawn Alexander, FCA leader at Alabama, was an important factor in Lance’s personal growth while at Alabama. Bible Studies and FCA activities were key in Lance’s early walk with the Lord. Lance felt the Lord placed him at the FCA meeting. He was in the right place at the right time.

Interesting enough, Lance met his wife, Jamie, on the first day of classes in his freshman year in his very first class. He explained, “Jamie was sitting in the front row and I was in the back. I saw this girl in the front row (Jamie) who I thought was attractive and seemingly very studious. As time went along, I drifted up rows in class and she drifted back, until we sat across from one another.” Lance goes on saying, “I got her name off the class roll sheet, and she got mine. We got to study together a couple of times; then, around Halloween, we went out on our first date.” The flame was lit! They dated all through college and were married in June of 2002. “I was in the right place at the right time which led me to my lifetime partner.”

Lance did not accept the Cincinnati Reds offer in 1998, instead decided to play baseball at Alabama. Although recruited by other schools, he headed to Tuscaloosa to play for Coach Jim Wells. Lance had a stellar career at Alabama with a record of 31-16 plus 17 saves and an ERA under 4.00, and he contributes that plus being ready to play professionally to Coach Wells and his staff. He was a four year letter winner who as a freshman recorded a SEC-leading 11 saves which was an Alabama freshman record that allowed him to be named All-American. Lance finished his career as a first team Academic All-American and All-Sec for a second time his senior year. He graduated with a degree in finance in May, 2002. As things fell into place for him during his career at Alabama, Lance was in the right place at the right time.

As a young Christian during his time at Alabama, Lance did not face many issues because of being a Believer. “Outwardly, life did not change much for me,” Lance commented, “I have never been a drinker or a party person, except I did change some of my language. I would just go about my business on and off the field. Most people were respectful of me.” However, inwardly, Lance continued to grow in his faith and his walk with the Lord.

Upon graduation at Alabama, Lance was drafted in the fourth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. His junior year, he was drafted in the 10^th round by the Houston Astros but stayed at Alabama to get his degree and play for the Tide. The D-backs sent Lance to Class A Yakima, but he was given permission to take three weeks off for his wedding and honeymoon. Jamie and Lance knew the early road for baseball career would bring about many moves. While holding off starting their family, they worked together to make each move work smoothly going from A ball to double A to triple A to parent club to new club and so on. “We probably moved 30-35 times in my career. Jamie has always been there which really took away the stress from me.” In 2007, the Lord blessed them with a little boy, Lance junior or LJ. “Lance,” says Smallwood, “is a great dad and husband; plus, he is an all-around good guy who would do anything for you.”

“Thinking back on my career, I was lucky as each time I made a move something would happen that gave me a better opportunity.” In his second year (2003) Lance jumped from A ball to triple A, while showing great promise. Then in 2004, he started in double A, but he made his major league debut June 19^th against the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. After another minor league stint, Lance was recalled and received his first major league win on July 29^th against Houston 6-4. In 2005 Lance appeared in 67 games for the Diamondbacks. In 2006 he signed with the Atlanta Braves. The 2006 and 2007 years were roller coaster years with Atlanta because of injuries and being sent down to the minors. In 2008 he signed with Baltimore. Then in 2009 Lance signed with the Tampa Bay Rays where he continues to contribute to their success here in 2010. “It always seemed with each move down I had a chance to move back up; and with each move to a new club, I would have a chance to move up quickly.” Lance, again, feels he was always in the right place at the right time.

“With each new team,” Lance shares, “there were Christian teammates and other people around to help me grow in my faith, but when I got to the Rays in 2009 I knew I was really blessed. There were the regular chapel services, but the Bible studies and the fellowship with great Christian teammates like Ben Zobrist, Gabe Gross (now with the A’s), Brian Shouse and others were so meaningful. I knew I was in the right place at the right time.” In the clubhouse Lance was able to stay within himself; and although more of a listener, he was willing to share in conversation about life’s situations of the home and community as it related to his faith. “Lance has been a huge encouragement to me,” says Ben Zobrist, “His faith is strong, and he is very consistent in all we do here, like Bible studies, chapel, and prayer time. He is a great father and husband to his family, and he exemplifies Christ in his family and our clubhouse.” Zobrist goes on to say, “ God has used Lance in great ways, and he has great gifts to be used for the Kingdom.” Rays chaplain Gio Llerena adds, “Lance loves the Lord and loves his family. As a family man, he desires to be a godly leader in his home for Jamie and LJ.” Chaplain Llerena declared, “Lance has been a blessing to me in the clubhouse.”

Lance has found that Isaiah 41:13 brings meaning to him and baseball. Being a pitcher and his right arm/hand important to his livelihood, Isaiah assures him: “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, ’Fear not, I will help you.’” Through the ups and downs of professional baseball, Lance knows the Lord is with him and will help him. II Chronicles 16:9 states,”…The Lord...to show His might in behalf of those whose heart is blameless toward Him.” With that assurance, Lance competes for the Lord!

When we think of being in the right place at the right time, we need only to look at Holy Week to see one person in the “ultimate” right place at the right time. Jesus Christ was in the right place at Calvary taking on our sin at precisely the right time when God raised His Son at Resurrection.

As Lance has grown in his faith, he looks at I Corinthians 16:9 to guide him to witness for the Lord; ”…for a wide door for effective work has opened to me…” When Lance and Jamie, who is described by Mickey Weston of Unlimited Potential, Inc. as “humble and having a desire to be steady and consistent in their walk with Christ,” return to Tuscaloosa in the off season, they relish their family time in a relaxed and private way. However, they look for opportunities to share their faith. Lance has had opportunities to speak at high school FCA groups and at their church, Capstone Church, a non-denominational congregation in Tuscaloosa. The church has a “Day of Champions” where several athletes share their faith. He is also involved in a Christian baseball camp during the off season.

Lance and Jamie look for “wide doors” to witness their faith in the Lord so they can be “in the right place at the right time” for Him. They trust in God’s timing.

Mark Darnall and Bruce Darnall are freelance writers in Wisconsin.

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