Over the past several years, the doors of Ukraine have been opened further to the ministry of FCA to impact the lives of coaches and athletes. Notably, baseball is one of the sports that FCA in the Ukraine continues to serve in the local growth and development of the sport.

Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs World Series-winning outfielder and second baseman, sponsored the fifth annual “Zorilla Cup” baseball tournament in Kiev earlier this month. Zobrist also recorded a special video for the Ukraine baseball coaches about the impact they have through baseball.

“Realize how special it is that you get to mold these young kids,” Zobrist told the Ukrainian coaches. “You get to help them grow as they play the game of baseball. What a blessing that is! Remember that it’s about growth and development, it’s not about wins and losses. Even at our level, we have to win and lose, but we really need to keep growing and learning. It’s about developing as a ballplayer but also developing as a person, and the character you’re helping these kids learn as they get older. Blessings to you and your teams!”

The Ukraine coaches were indeed moved by Zobrist’s words. One Ukrainian coach who was part of the baseball tournament shared, “I want my students to say the following words about me at the end of my life: ‘Thank you for a great impact on my life.’”

This spring’s “Zorilla Cup” tournament brought together 300 participants, eight teams, 16 coaches, six staff members and two churches with the goal to develop baseball and share the love of Christ in Ukraine. 



Through the sport of baseball, FCA representatives are able to meet new coaches, build relationships with existing coaches FCA has served for many years, and encourage both coaches and athletes.

Click here to give a financial gift to support FCA Ukraine Baseball Ministry.