Faith in Action: USF Baseball Star

TAMPA (FOX 13) - At just 21-years old, USF shortstop Kevin Merrell has realized his childhood dream: a chance to play ball in the big leagues. Earlier this month, the Steinbrenner High grad was drafted by the Oakland A's in the first round. "I had to pinch myself quite a few times. You always hear about friends and people you play with getting drafted. But for it to be in the first round, it was like 'What in the world?' It's crazy," he smiled. The 33rd overall pick has put some time on the diamond, playing ball, like many little leaguers, as early as he can remember. He got noticed early too, committing to USF his sophomore year of high school. Despite his success, Merrell isn't boastful. Sure, he put in the sweat time. But he says the real skills were out of his hands from the start. "I feel like God's called me to lift his name high when I play baseball. Whether its when I strike out or hit a home run, he's given me all I have," he said. Not one for social media, the USF junior instead spent the past year helping start a bible study group on campus for athletes. Soon, the Odessa native will say goodbye to the Bay area for another one. "I've never really been away from home, but you gotta grow up sometime!" he laughed. It's a new endeavor most only dream about. While the places and faces will soon change, one thing will remain constant: his faith. "I've been fortunate to be successful at USF and that's not because of me. It's because so many people have invested in me, it's because of the gifts I've been given," he said. No word when Merrell will report to training camp.