My Good Friend, Randy "The Blade" Lerch
“Meeting Randy has brought an unexpected blessing of joy and inspiration into my life.”
— John Edwards
A Friendship Forged by Faith
Some friendships come into our lives unexpectedly, yet leave an imprint that lasts forever.
Randy “The Blade” Lerch and I grew up only miles apart in California, each following very different paths before God eventually brought our journeys together decades later. Randy made his mark on the baseball field as a Major League pitcher, while my own journey unfolded through business, writing, and a search for deeper spiritual understanding.
Although our lives followed different roads, we discovered a shared purpose rooted in faith, perseverance, and the desire to encourage others through our personal stories. Randy’s unwavering trust in God, humble spirit, and constant reminder that “God is Good!” have been a tremendous source of encouragement throughout my own writing journey.
This page is dedicated to my good friend, Randy Lerch, whose life reminds us that our greatest legacy is not found in our accomplishments, but in the hope, faith, and inspiration we leave behind for others.
About Randy Lerch
Randy “The Blade” Lerch is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos, and San Francisco Giants between 1975 and 1986. He is remembered not only for his baseball career, including one of the most memorable home runs by a pitcher during the Phillies’ 1979 division championship season, but also for his remarkable testimony of faith.
His memoir, God in the Bullpen, chronicles his journey through professional baseball, struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, rehabilitation, serious illness, and ultimately his redemption through faith in God. Randy openly shares how God’s grace transformed his life and gave him a renewed purpose: to encourage others facing their own battles with hope and perseverance.
God in the Bullpen: The Randy Lerch Story
God in the Bullpen: The Randy Lerch Story tells the remarkable true story of former Major League Baseball pitcher Randy Lerch. From the excitement of professional baseball to the devastating struggles of addiction, cirrhosis, and personal hardship, Randy shares how his faith in God became the ultimate turning point in his life. His memoir is a powerful testimony of redemption, perseverance, and the life-changing power of God’s grace.
Featured Videos
The Stories of John Edwards & Randy Lerch
Two Californians. Two extraordinary journeys. One lasting friendship.
This tribute celebrates two lives shaped by resilience, faith, vulnerability, and the courage to share their stories. Though Randy and John traveled different paths, both discovered that life’s greatest legacy is found not in personal achievement, but in inspiring others through honesty, hope, and unwavering faith.
The Beauty of God's Divine Plan
Sometimes the people who enter our lives arrive precisely when we need them most.
This video reflects on how unexpected friendships can become part of God’s greater plan, guiding us toward healing, spiritual growth, renewed purpose, and a deeper understanding of His presence in our lives.
Randy Lerch's Historic Home Run (May 17, 1979)
Relive one of the most memorable moments of Randy Lerch’s Major League Baseball career as he launches his famous opposite-field home run during the Phillies’ remarkable 1979 season. It remains one of the defining highlights of an already extraordinary baseball journey.
“Legacy isn’t what we do… it’s what we share and leave behind.”
Randy’s life has touched countless people through baseball, his testimony of faith, and his willingness to openly share both his victories and his struggles. His friendship has been a blessing in my own life, reminding me that every encounter has purpose and that God often works through the people He places along our path.
As Randy so often reminds us,
“God is Good!”