Arizona Little League coach delivers religious message during mound visit

During a Little League Western Regional playoff game in San Bernardino, California, Arizona coach Drew Breivogel went viral after delivering a religious message to his pitcher during a mound visit. The conversation, captured by an ESPN+ microphone, included Breivogel referencing the biblical figure Zacchaeus and emphasizing the importance of salvation over the outcome of the game.

Breivogel told his player, “If you walk the next five guys Jesus is still lord. If you strike out the next five guys, guess what? Jesus is still lord.” The message sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some viewers praising the sentiment while others criticized the lack of tactical baseball instruction during a critical moment.

Following the visit, Hawaii scored four runs in the fourth inning to win the game 5-2. The loss prevented the Chandler National All-Stars from Arizona from advancing to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.