Never Give Up
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
A left-handed rookie for the Miami Marlins, Daniel Castano has quickly become one of the most reliable pitchers for the Marlins in the 2020 season. After a coronavirus outbreak hit the team, Daniel Castano got the call to join the big league team. Since joining Miami he has made 5 starts and has penciled his name into the Marlins plans. Through his rookie season, Daniel Castano has also been making faith a priority as he looks to use his platform to glorify God and be a blessing to others.
Born in Orlando, Florida, Daniel Castano’s faith has always been an important part of his life.
Daniel’s dad, Alex, is a pastor in Miami and has always emphasized raising his children in a way that they utilize their gifts to make a difference. Pastor Alex says, “We made sure we were going to church, being involved in ministry, encouraging our kids and helping them grow in their faith. My wife and I have been very intentional in learning how God created them and helped them develop their gifts and grow spiritually and help them grow those spiritual gifts as well.” That faith has stayed with Daniel as he has risen through the minor leagues and continued to trust in God through the highs and lows. For Daniel Castano, he says faith is the only way he is able to navigate his career in baseball. 
He says that through the ups and downs it is faith that has, and continues to keep him grounded. “In the game of baseball, you have no control over where you move up or down, or what your coaches think of you, or if a pitch will be called a ball or strike. That’s where faith is so cool, submitting to Christ and not trying to take control of everything but trusting His plan in everything.” That trust has pushed Daniel Castano to take the mound for the Marlins with peace and strength knowing that throughout his best starts and his worst, God will be there to guide him. Daniel Castano has also been inspired by a certain young man he met while playing for the State College Spikes, Josiah Viera.
Josiah was born with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria, a condition that caused rapid aging and came with a life expectancy of 8-13 years. However, even in the hardest circumstances, Josiah trusted God had a plan, and that moved Daniel Castano in such a tremendous way. “Josiah is the man. I love that kid. Probably one of the most influential people I’ve ever met in my life. We honestly might name one of our kids after him. He would always make time for each and every person that needed it. During bible study he would always come sit on my lap and we would have talks. You would always see him going up to other people in the locker room and sit up on their lap and talk. He was just pure and loved people. He would go through so many incredibly hard times but he would refuse to let that bring him down or define him.” Josiah passed away at the age of 14 in late 2018, but his legacy continues to live on. Daniel Castano trusts that although Josiah is gone, he’s no longer in pain. “I know he’s in a better place.”
For Daniel Castano, he also leans on God in his role as a husband to his wife, Brooke. “Learning how to love my wife the way I should, not putting baseball first but serving her as Christ serves the church. Just being honest and open with her about things in baseball. Also, surrounding yourself with other men so that when you’re in hotels you’re making the right decisions and holding each other accountable.” As Daniel Castano has continued to grow into the man God has called him to be, he is thankful to be in such a great position in the Major Leagues. As he looks forward to what the future will bring, he is taking every opportunity to inspire others and remind everyone of Josiah Viera’s inspirational slogan: “Never Give Up.”
