4 Christians named to Time magazine's ‘100 Next’ list for 2023

By Nicole VanDyke, CP Reporter Monday, October 16, 2023

Ronald Acuña Jr.

Acuña, 25, an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves and a four-time All-Star, became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in one season on his path to likely securing the 2023 National League MVP Award.

Acuña was born in Venezuela and often shares how relying on his faith is a fundamental part of his life.

"He is a young player, and I foresee him having more than one 40-40 season," fellow Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera, a fellow Venezuelan who is destined to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, wrote of Acuna.

"I hope God keeps him healthy so he can reach 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. You know, I don't want to be the lone Venezuelan on that list."

Cabrera believes that Acuña has the chance to become "the best Venezuelan-born baseball player ever."

Despite his on-the-field success, the most important thing to Acuña is his faith.

"The most important thing is to never lose your faith," he told Sports Spectrum in a 2018 interview. "Just because your faith is what helps maintain you, especially during the tough times that happen on the field and off the field."

"Every time I take the field or even when I wake up, I have a conversation with God," he added. "I feel like I always pray to Him and have that relationship and I feel like He listens."