Faces on the Field: Nathan Espy

Life boils down to more than just a baseball diamond. Sacramento first baseman Nate Espy learned that early in life, and considers himself lucky for it.

Throughout his baseball career, the 27-year-old Espy has produced solid numbers, a reason why he was called up from the Stockton Ports of the Class A Advanced California League earlier this year. Still, despite his drive on the field, baseball isn't what drives him in life.

That off-the-field drive comes from a deep faith, a close relationship with God.

Baptized by a Methodist pastor in 2004, Espy said he has always had a close relationship with God, and not just when he's going through a hard time. It's a constant, daily process that always leaves him feeling fulfilled, no matter what is going on in his life.

"No game, baseball, or anything else, can substitute for Jesus," Espy said. "The only rock for me is Christ, and he's always going to be there for me."

But how does Espy transfer that relationship into the baseball part of his life?

Espy said it helps him keep his priorities in check. After a bad game, which happens often in baseball, the thing that helps him move on is his faith.

"It gives you peace to deal with adversity," Espy said. "This game is a game of failure. You're going to fail ... I have to have something that's constant, and I can turn to God every day."

More important to him, though, his faith carries him when he needs it. In a sport where so many athletes let themselves get consumed by the game and its trappings, Espy, who was selected by Philadelphia in the 18th round of the 1998 draft, tries hard to keep things in perspective.

It's easy to see why athletes get so wrapped up in the game. So much time is spent at the ballpark, in the batting cages, training or playing, that it's easy to get caught up.

That's something that Espy, admittedly, struggled with early in his career, but doesn't anymore.

"You put so much time and effort into it, what happens is you look for it to fulfill your life, and base yourself as a person on what you do on the field. That's a warped way of doing things, but it's easy to do," Espy said. "You need to put it into perspective."

While balancing faith and baseball in a broad perspective, Espy has been putting his talent to use on the field. Through the All-Star break, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound first baseman hit .279, including 17 doubles and seven home runs. He's slugging .434, and has driven in 32 runs.

Defensively, through 51 games at first base, he's committed just four errors.

River Cats hitting coach Brian McArn is happy with what Espy has brought to the team so far this year.

"He has great work habits and adds a good future to our lineup," McArn said. "He's aggressive when he needs to be, and he doesn't chase many bad pitches."

That's an aspect of the game Espy has been comfortable with, and something he knows is key to getting called up someday.

"The guys we have at this level can do it in spurts, but the difference between a big leaguer and us is that they go out there and do it every day," Espy said. "I have to prepare as hard as I can, and mentally and physically give myself an opportunity."

McArn said he's worked with Espy on consistency, especially with his swing and his vision. He feels that when Espy is reliable with those skills, he'll be ready to fulfill his big-league potential.

"He's got a real short swing," McArn said. "We really work with him on seeing the ball, and when he does that, he's had really consistent at-bats for us all year."

Espy agreed, but said he knows there's only so much he can to do fulfill that potential. He said he's going to give it everything he can, but that if he does not get called up, it won't be the end of the world. It won't be the end of his life.

What it will mean is that his calling is elsewhere.

"If I don't make the big leagues but give it everything I have, then He's got something else for me," Espy said. "That gives me peace."