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Miracle in Shreveport: A Memoir of Baseball, Fatherhood, and the Stadium that Launched a Dream
Twin brothers David and Jason Benham grew up with big dreams of baseball and an even bigger trust in God. Though they attended a small high school with no baseball field, turned down a professional offer so they could attend college together, and faced more than one missed pitch and injuries, they kept dreaming, praying together on the field, and believing in God’s provision for their lives.
David and Jason’s journey, from Little League to college to professional baseball and beyond, reminds us that even when we don’t know what God is up to, He’s putting together the pieces of our life’s puzzle and executing the plans He has for each of us.
Miracle in Shreveport tells the story of a family’s love, the power of prayer, and a game that is truly all-American. It is also the story of brotherhood staying strong, despite the threat of comparison in a profession committed to competition. Most of all, it is the story of being faithful in small steps, honoring God in the process, and trusting His hand in our lives. In this book, the Benhams call us to remember that when we follow God’s dream for us, we find it is better than we could have ever dreamed for ourselves.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
15 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 6, 2020
Miracle in Shreveport is an inspiring story. The story revolves around two guys named David and Jason Benham and their journey with the game of baseball. They had a unique journey I must say, but through all of it, they stuck with God. They wanted his will to be done in the end. It was cool reading about how much their Dad had an influence on their lives and impacted their faith. They definitely had ups during their career, like David being named to the All-Conference team, both of them getting full rides to Liberty University, both of them getting drafted, and then getting to play in Shreveport together. There were definitely downs for them too though. Baseball wasn’t a big priority in high school (as much as other sports), losing to Auburn, Jason getting injured, David hitting the disabled list, and the conflicts they had together as brothers. Through all of it, God saw the bigger picture, and they just did their best to play to the best of their abilities. Their story has helped me realize what trusting in the LORD really looks like. This book is engaging and it read through first-person. Any Christian will love this book, especially if they’re a baseball fan.
January 8, 2018
This is a story of God's goodness and faithfulness in the lives of two twin brothers named David and Jason, a dad who stood behind and encouraged their dream through prayer and encouragement, and their family.
In "Miracles in Shreveport", David and Jason were real in their every day life and struggles. They shared stories that made me laugh, and others that made me cry. Their relationship with God and time spent in prayer was (and is) a key part of their lives and were (are) an inspiration to me. With each page turned, I wanted to know more of the story, and through it all, I celebrated God's faithfulness and goodness and how He used (and continues to use) David and Jason for His honor and glory.
I loved the book and highly recommend it! I received a complimentary review copy by the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
In "Miracles in Shreveport", David and Jason were real in their every day life and struggles. They shared stories that made me laugh, and others that made me cry. Their relationship with God and time spent in prayer was (and is) a key part of their lives and were (are) an inspiration to me. With each page turned, I wanted to know more of the story, and through it all, I celebrated God's faithfulness and goodness and how He used (and continues to use) David and Jason for His honor and glory.
I loved the book and highly recommend it! I received a complimentary review copy by the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
December 27, 2023
Such a fantastic story that will warm your heart. A new favorite of mine and a quick read. Two brothers love for one another, the game of baseball and a dream fully entrusted to the Lord.
A book I stumbled across while out thrifting, so so happy I picked it up!! Excited to share with my baseball player!
A book I stumbled across while out thrifting, so so happy I picked it up!! Excited to share with my baseball player!
November 1, 2020
God is Amazing!
April 1, 2018
This book was very well written. The Benham brothers story was very heart felt, encouraging, and inspiring. I really enjoyed reading this book and encourage others to read it as well. I look forward to reading their other books.
June 28, 2021
If you haven't had a miracle happen in your direction in a while, this is your book. But, if you have problems with religiosity then you should look elsewhere.
David and Jason Benham's father Flip was, or is, a Methodist minister in the Dallas area, so don't blame them. Blame the preacher gene.
Late every summer after Little League, the Benhams would visit their maternal relatives in Atlanta, and pass by Fair Grounds Field on I-20 in Shreveport. Home of the AA Texas League's Shreveport Captains. The good reverend seized the moment and got the twins praying to one day play there.
That one day finally happened. It was a miracle, and this time I will not spoil it for those needing a miracle in their reading life.
The twins appeared to have the talent, but the minor league drag, plus I believe an ounce of burnout and life changes, left them to leave baseball one season later. Before playing college baseball at Liberty they had been playing sports all year round and constantly working out. Their work ethic is well-noted throughout.
It can be hard to rewind a rubberband once unwound.
But read the book for that miracle your psyche might need. Content moves brilliantly, fast, and emotionally. It's only 175 pages, which is one path more of the publishing world needs to note. Brevity can be beautiful, especially for people who have other things to do. The Dallas Morning News article, starting on p. 177 should not escape your reading, too.
I hope my step-dad has a miracle in Shreveport. He likes their casinos.
David and Jason Benham's father Flip was, or is, a Methodist minister in the Dallas area, so don't blame them. Blame the preacher gene.
Late every summer after Little League, the Benhams would visit their maternal relatives in Atlanta, and pass by Fair Grounds Field on I-20 in Shreveport. Home of the AA Texas League's Shreveport Captains. The good reverend seized the moment and got the twins praying to one day play there.
That one day finally happened. It was a miracle, and this time I will not spoil it for those needing a miracle in their reading life.
The twins appeared to have the talent, but the minor league drag, plus I believe an ounce of burnout and life changes, left them to leave baseball one season later. Before playing college baseball at Liberty they had been playing sports all year round and constantly working out. Their work ethic is well-noted throughout.
It can be hard to rewind a rubberband once unwound.
But read the book for that miracle your psyche might need. Content moves brilliantly, fast, and emotionally. It's only 175 pages, which is one path more of the publishing world needs to note. Brevity can be beautiful, especially for people who have other things to do. The Dallas Morning News article, starting on p. 177 should not escape your reading, too.
I hope my step-dad has a miracle in Shreveport. He likes their casinos.
May 1, 2018
This true and inspirational story is about the dream of twin brothers David and Jason Benham. Their dream was to play professional baseball. With their father’s pastor’s salary, the family couldn’t take elaborate vacations growing up, so each year they would travel from their home in Garland, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia to visit their Mom’s family. On their route was Fair Grounds Field, home of the Shreveport Captains minor league team. As the family would pass by the stadium each year, their father Flip would lead them in prayer that God would one day allow his two boys to play in that very stadium as professionals and on the same team. Now that’s quite a dream. The boys and their father placed that dream in God’s hands.
The book tells the story of the two boys and their respective baseball careers, their successes and setbacks. As their father taught them to be faithful as baseball players, they watched him model faithfulness as a father even more.
The twins had great success in high school, but on a pastor’s salary, would need full-ride scholarships if they were to play baseball in college. God answered that prayer with full-ride scholarships to play baseball at Liberty University. The boys had a dream of leading Liberty to their first ever win in the NCAA regional tournament. They also had a dream of being drafted by major league baseball teams, a prayer that God also answered for both David and Jason.
You don’t need to know much about baseball to enjoy this hard to believe story. It’s less a story about baseball than it is about being faithful and trusting God with your dreams. The brothers interject a lot of humor in the book, and there are also numerous accounts of them dropping to their knees to pray.
This was a very enjoyable book, and a quick read. I hope to see this book made into a movie in the future.
The book tells the story of the two boys and their respective baseball careers, their successes and setbacks. As their father taught them to be faithful as baseball players, they watched him model faithfulness as a father even more.
The twins had great success in high school, but on a pastor’s salary, would need full-ride scholarships if they were to play baseball in college. God answered that prayer with full-ride scholarships to play baseball at Liberty University. The boys had a dream of leading Liberty to their first ever win in the NCAA regional tournament. They also had a dream of being drafted by major league baseball teams, a prayer that God also answered for both David and Jason.
You don’t need to know much about baseball to enjoy this hard to believe story. It’s less a story about baseball than it is about being faithful and trusting God with your dreams. The brothers interject a lot of humor in the book, and there are also numerous accounts of them dropping to their knees to pray.
This was a very enjoyable book, and a quick read. I hope to see this book made into a movie in the future.
April 29, 2018
What a fun, uplifting book. These brothers talk of their life and dreams of baseball all based solidly in faith. For any Christian athlete this book will speak to you, reflect your journey and remind you of your story.
The most moving part of the book for me was as the brothers spoke of the great miracle that had occurred in their life. A miracle only a God with control of the universe and intricately involved in an individual's life could do. As this miracle comes to fruition, they are reminded that they worship a God that parts the Red Sea and let his people was on dry land to safety. If that is the same God we pray to, why do we think any dream or any prayer too difficult?
Highly recommend this book to young Christian athletes who might need to be reminded what God can do for them and how they should conduct themselves. A very fun book for any lifelong lovers of baseball, as it's a story of little league, high school ball, college ball and the minor league system. With ties to tradition and family heritage in the game of baseball, something I have written about before.
The most moving part of the book for me was as the brothers spoke of the great miracle that had occurred in their life. A miracle only a God with control of the universe and intricately involved in an individual's life could do. As this miracle comes to fruition, they are reminded that they worship a God that parts the Red Sea and let his people was on dry land to safety. If that is the same God we pray to, why do we think any dream or any prayer too difficult?
Highly recommend this book to young Christian athletes who might need to be reminded what God can do for them and how they should conduct themselves. A very fun book for any lifelong lovers of baseball, as it's a story of little league, high school ball, college ball and the minor league system. With ties to tradition and family heritage in the game of baseball, something I have written about before.
May 5, 2018
What a great story! The Benham Brothers have written an inspiring and entertaining account of their baseball careers. Fans of the game will enjoy their account of their life in college and professional baseball. But this book is so much more than that. The main emphasis is on the love of family and faith in God in circumstances that seem impossible. I came away with great respect for the Benham brothers’ parents and the strong foundation of faith they gave their sons. By the time you get to the “Miracle in Shreveport”, you’ll be cheering for the brothers with tears in your eye. More importantly, you may even look at the circumstances in your own life in a different way. This is not just a book about baseball. It’s a book about trusting God in the life He has given you.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.
January 27, 2020
During the off season, I always try to read a baseball book or two before spring training. This book is the story of twin brothers who lived the dream of becoming professional baseball players and playing together in Shreveport. There upbringing by a godly father and their trust in God to arrange their lives makes for a truly inspiring story. Plus the baseball!!!
February 19, 2024
I had previously listened to this story on a podcast with the authors, and the book gives even more details. It is such an amazing story of God's faithfulness and miracles. I think about this story all the time when I am praying for my sons. It's a great read for any sports lovers, teens, parents, and/or Christians.
Read
July 1, 2020Picked this book up at the Myrtle Beach Free Library for Jim and ended up reading it as well. It's about two, very close twins, who dream of playing baseball in a Stadium in Shreveport. They work hard, along with their dad, in their attempt to become professional baseball players. Heart warming.
April 2, 2018
Miracle in Shreveport is a testimony to how God will work in our lives if we ask Him and give Him the Glory.
July 1, 2018
An inspirational testimony of staying faithful to God, praying, helping, moving, believing, and doing with God as the focus. God is always working to put us where we need to be.
January 13, 2019
Interesting story of two young Christian men and how they witness the hand of God in their life.
June 15, 2019
Amazing story of God's provision. A testimony of lives lived in faith! So enjoyed reading of this journey, looking forward to other titles by the Benhams.
January 12, 2024
Highly recommend. Amazing to see guys like the Benham brothers commit every area of their life to the Lord, and watch God work!
January 18, 2023
Perhaps it's my fault for not knowing who the Benham brothers were, but I wasn't expecting their particular brand of problematic theology to overwhelm the story of their rise to the minor leagues. While the story was inspiring, I also struggled with the flipping of the narrative voice, and couldn't always remember which brother was which (not a great sign when there only two main characters in the story!). Not one that I'd recommend for most people.
December 17, 2021
Great book for all young ball players
I read this book in one sitting. Of course, being raised in Shreveport, I was curious about the miracle. It is a very inspiring read and that proves God works in mysterious ways. I gave the book to my grandson who has a college baseball scholarship and is experiencing some rough times. I told him to read it
I saw the title of this book and was intrigued since I was raised and still live in Shreveport. I opened it up and did not put it down until the last page. It is a very easy book to read and so inspiring. I gave it to my grandson who has a baseball scholarship and is experiencing some tough times. I told him to read it carefully and then give God a chance to show off like He did with the Benham brothers.
You
Give i
I read this book in one sitting. Of course, being raised in Shreveport, I was curious about the miracle. It is a very inspiring read and that proves God works in mysterious ways. I gave the book to my grandson who has a college baseball scholarship and is experiencing some rough times. I told him to read it
I saw the title of this book and was intrigued since I was raised and still live in Shreveport. I opened it up and did not put it down until the last page. It is a very easy book to read and so inspiring. I gave it to my grandson who has a baseball scholarship and is experiencing some tough times. I told him to read it carefully and then give God a chance to show off like He did with the Benham brothers.
You
Give i
April 1, 2018
Trust the true major leaguer God
Wonderful and inspiring. It has given me a knew way to approach his will for me. A great read and a wonderful story that is much needed today to show others how God can work in their lives.
Wonderful and inspiring. It has given me a knew way to approach his will for me. A great read and a wonderful story that is much needed today to show others how God can work in their lives.
July 1, 2020
Great story
Amazing story of faith! Even includes baseball as a bonus, but that's only the underlying message. I'm going to tell everyone to read this! Love the Benham bros.
Amazing story of faith! Even includes baseball as a bonus, but that's only the underlying message. I'm going to tell everyone to read this! Love the Benham bros.
June 25, 2018
I felt it was a good testimony. The book was easy reading and I found it hard to put down.
Read
May 24, 2019Fun read -- They were a bit full of themselves at times, but overall it was entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews