It’s not hard to stay humble when you’re unclogging a toilet. Or when you’re throwing gopher balls to Miracle League ballplayers swinging for the fences. At least that’s how Detroit Tigers ace Michael Fulmer, who works part-time as a plumber in the offseason and serves as a mentor to adults with developmental disabilities, describes his approach to living out his Christian faith. “It’s a way for me to stay levelheaded,” said the 25-year-old right-hander.
Fulmer has emerged as one of baseball’s top young pitchers, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2016 and earning a spot on the AL All-Star team in 2017. He has a 3.46 ERA in 58 career starts, and his fastball regularly touches 97 mph. If you’re not a baseball aficionado, simply consider this: Now in his third season, Fuller will earn $575,000 this year.
In a Religion News Service interview during the Tigers’ three-game series with the Texas Rangers earlier this week, Fulmer said his goal — win or lose — is “to preach the Lord’s name.” As Fulmer stepped to the mound at Globe Life Park for his start Monday (May 7), he couldn’t help but notice a special group of fans in the right-field corner.
Wings, a Christian nonprofit, offers vocational, social and residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization, based in Edmond, Okla., chartered a bus for 43 members and parents to make the 450-mile round trip to see Fulmer — one of the ministry’s biggest supporters — pitch. Holding signs spangled with large letters and hearts, the group in the stands spelled out this message for Fulmer and his wife: “Wings loves Michael (and) Kelsey.”
“For them to make that three-hour trip — it was just a blessing to be able to see them every time I walked out to the mound,” Fulmer said. Fulmer first connected with Wings about eight years ago, while still in high school.
Fulmer is a quiet, private person, but he has a real passion for serving people with special needs, said Cheri Weaver, a former children’s pastor who serves as Wings’ executive director. “I feel like the light of Jesus shines through him,” Weaver said. “He doesn’t see a difference in people. He wants people to live their life to their fullest potential. And I think he’s very, very humble. He trusts that God has a plan for him and will direct him in his path. He doesn’t have the pride, and I think that’s one thing that would separate him from other major leaguers.”
Fulmer’s wife has joked that learning how to install a sink by himself gave him a bigger thrill than winning Rookie of the Year. If his plumbing prowess is a surprise, neither did Fulmer expect the kind of success he has enjoyed on a baseball diamond.
“I exceeded my expectations just getting to the big leagues, honestly,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay humble and keep learning. I just try to never take a day for granted. It’s just a dream come true to be up here.”