Gary Enderlin and Todd Johnson had become accustomed to the travel baseball experience by early 2025. And frankly, they had grown pretty frustrated with the overall experience.

You can’t whitewash all coaches and programs, of course, with the common complaints that go with travel sports. But the motivation and culture to win above all else is pretty strong, and can appear to take precedence when there is so much more sports can teach.

It was January. Gary was interviewing with Todd, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Multi-Area Director for South Texas, about a sports director position for FCA San Antonio. They had sons who loved baseball and were eager to learn, but Gary and Todd wanted it done the right way and in the right environment. They knew other parents felt the same.

“My son, Colton, and Todd’s son, Tyler, had played on a few different teams and had connections,” said Gary.

A 15U team formed and, under the name FCA Force, began play in the fall of 2025 with a fee one-third of other programs. About two-thirds of the players, by Gary’s estimation, were Christians.

“We saw God work,” he said. “Our coaches led a devotional at practice and prayed after the games. Through those and time spent on the field, we built a team.”

Those from the opposing side of the field took notice as well.

Todd received an email from a parent:

I just wanted to personally reach out and thank you and the amazing group of 15U guys that we played yesterday for being such a great group of people! The parents, the boys, the coach and the entire team really made the experience yesterday one to remember. It reminded us all how the game is supposed to be since we've all been in situations with nasty kids and even worse parents. My son has really found his faith this past year, and it was really moving to see these players come together to pray after the game.

Todd credits his son with getting things moving. As a form of advertisement, Tyler took a collection of FCA Camp hats from his dad’s office and began handing them out to those interested in forming a team.

“He loves the Lord and has grown in his faith,” said Todd, who played college ball at Dallas Baptist University. “We had been in talks with schools and had a coach and a place to practice. God had gone before us and put those things into place.”

Coach Jake Roberts says his goal is to make good ballplayers, but better men.

“I tell them that at the beginning of the season, as a coach, my responsibility is to understand their skill set and limitations. Every decision made on the field is about putting the player in a position to be successful.”

FCA Force won a major tournament near the end of its summer season, a reward for all the hard work so far. Plans are in place to add a 12U team next year.

“We’ve played big travel programs,” Jake said. “But no matter who’s in the other dugout, when we get on the field, I feel that the energy our team brings shows a value in winning, but also playing for Jesus Christ. We have a lot of fun.”

After games, the team hands out bracelets. It’s not a surprise to see those bracelets reappear on opponents’ arms at other tournaments.

“Travel baseball can, at times, not be a positive environment,” said Todd. “We feel we’re making a difference.”

“This team handles themselves differently,” Gary said. “Small things, like fist-bumping the umpire and catcher when they walk up to the plate. It’s not us-against-you. It’s more of an acknowledgment that we’re playing this awesome game together.”

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To learn more about FCA Club teams and see how you can get one started in your area, email Shaun Smithson at ssmithson@fca.org.

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