Ryan Hecht

“Growing up, it was always God, family, and baseball. There were a lot of late nights practicing, a lot of traveling, and sometimes it was hard to get to church. But my parents helped me build a foundation on a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “I always had a testimony, but I hadn’t read the Book of Mormon all the way through. I believed what my parents told me. They’re really smart, and their testimonies are strong. Then I got drafted, and I thought, ‘All right, I probably need to read this for myself.’ “One of the guys I was drafted with shared my faith. We became roommates and studied the scriptures together. As I read, I received personal revelation. That’s when my testimony really became stronger. I could see Heavenly Father’s hand in putting someone like that in my life. “Reading helped me strengthen my testimony, and living what I believed gave me more opportunities to recognize His hand. “My mom had talked to me about tithing before I even had a job. She told me about the blessings she’d seen and encouraged me to pay it. So I did. As I’ve kept that commitment, I’ve learned that the blessings can be physical, too. For me, being able to play baseball at my best is a blessing I connect directly to paying my tithing. “Playing at an elite level still has its ups and downs. After a good year, I had a rough year. Sometimes you’re asking Heavenly Father, ‘Please help me,’ and you forget how much He’s already helped. Looking back helped me recognize the opportunities and blessings He had already given me. “That same commitment to living my faith carries into how I take care of myself. Living the Word of Wisdom is a choice I made early. I’ve never wanted to drink or smoke. In high school, I watched people try vaping, get addicted, and struggle to stop. I didn’t want to find myself in that situation, and I’m grateful I made that decision before I ever started playing professionally. “So when we were celebrating with the team and there wasn’t any sparkling cider, I opened the fridge, saw some Fanta in glass bottles, and grabbed a couple. I didn’t even want to hold alcohol because I didn’t want to give the impression I was drinking it. Then everybody started sending me pictures of their Fanta. “Reading the Book of Mormon, paying my tithing, and living the Word of Wisdom are commitments I carry with me. As I’ve lived them, the foundation my parents helped me build in the gospel of Jesus Christ has become stronger through my own experiences. “Heavenly Father has really shown His hand in my life.” —Cooper