FAITH AT THE PLATE: Kid Slugger Michael “MJ” Gray, Jr. is proving what happens when talent meets determination.
This gifted 7-year-old athlete showed the Power of Perseverance and the Determination to Deliver at the Rube Foster Pitch, Hit & Run at Gateway Park in Fort Worth, Texas—and now he’s taking his game to the next stage.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Step aside, MJ of old—there’s a new MJ stepping up with faith, focus, and fire. Michael “MJ” Gray, Jr. has earned his shot at the Regional Championship of the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. His journey to this moment began on July 26, 2025, when he competed at the Rube Foster Pitch, Hit & Run Invitational, standing shoulder to shoulder with top young athletes from Coppell, Arlington, Mansfield, Burleson, and even small-town Oklahoma.
From the first swing, you can see it—MJ plays with heart. But according to his parents, Michael and JoMeka Gray, the real story is deeper than baseball. “We’ve watched him grow so much in faith and perseverance since March,” they said. “He almost gave up in May, but he pushed through.”
And like the original MJ—Michael Jordan—giving up simply isn’t an option. Jordan once left basketball to chase a new dream in baseball, showing the world that greatness isn’t just about talent; it’s about courage, work ethic, and resilience. Young MJ Gray carries that same spirit every time he steps on the field.
At just 7 years old, MJ has already built an impressive résumé: MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Local Champion hosted by New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth; leader of the Temple Renegades to a District Championship and a 4th-place finish at the 8U TTBA Tournament; and currently leading his division in RBIs as a standout shortstop and second baseman. Inspired by Astros stars Jeremy Peña and José Altuve, MJ plays the game with skill and swagger, while dreaming big—one day, he hopes to coach a professional team.
Off the field, MJ loves spending time with his parents and big sister, Jasmine. His favorite school subject is science, where his curiosity and drive to learn match the same focus he brings to the game.
When he steps up to the plate, one thing is clear: this young athlete isn’t just swinging for hits—he’s swinging with faith, focus, and a future as bright as the lights at Globe Life Field.
ABOUT THE COACH AND THE PREACHER
Behind the vision of the Rube Foster Pitch, Hit & Run Invitational and the Black On Base Negro League is Pastor Kyev Tatum—a coach and preacher who believes in giving kids more than just a game; he gives them a purpose. As Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Ministers Justice Coalition, Tatum forged a partnership with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club to bring high-quality baseball opportunities to inner-city youth.
Through these initiatives, Tatum uses the power of sport to teach faith, discipline, and teamwork while encouraging kids to get “on base” in life, not just on the field. He is also the creator of the Fun Over Guns Campaign, a movement designed to steer young people away from gun violence and suicide by providing fun, constructive, and empowering activities.
Tatum’s work reflects the same values he instills in his players: perseverance, hope, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to swing for something greater than themselves.
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