By
Steve King, Assistant Athletics Director
Grantham, PA – Messiah College honored 2006 graduate Chris Heisey on Thursday with the Young Alumnus Achievement Award, in recognition of Heisey's impressive vocational rise into Major League Baseball. Heisey, primarily a left fielder for the Cincinnati Reds, played in 120 games during the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) season after making his debut with the team in 2010.
Messiah also recognized Dr. N. Benjamin Frederick '95 with the Distinguished Alumnus Achievement Award for his global missions efforts, and Dr. Emerson Lesher '74 with the Alumni Christian Service Award for his service-oriented commitment to Messiah Village.
“I'm truly honored to receive this award,” said Heisey, who expressed humility for his recognition. “I feel somewhat unqualified compared to the other award winners, because I know I'm only playing a game. It's an honor to be recognized along with them.”
Heisey became Messiah's first alumnus to play in the MLB when he made his debut with the Cincinnati Reds on May 3, 2010, against the New York Mets. Heisey would go on to bat .254 over 97 games for the Reds that year, hitting eight homeruns and collecting 21 runs batted in (RBI). In 2011, Heisey would break out to hit 18 homeruns and collect 50 RBI while maintaining his .254 batting average over 120 games. Mainly a left fielder, Heisey also made starts in center field and right field for a Reds team that went 79-83.
A signature moment for the native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was a
three-homerun game against the New York Yankees on July 22. Heisey was also featured a few times on ESPN's Top 10 Plays for his polished defense in the outfield.
“I don't know if anyone could have prepared me for playing (Major League Baseball),” said Heisey, reflecting on his time as a Messiah Falcon. “Playing at a Division III school is very different than being in the MLB. Messiah helped me the most by teaching me how to communicate with people in different settings—professional or otherwise. What I learned here has helped me succeed a professional baseball player.”
During his time at Messiah, Heisey was a standout for the Falcons. In 2006, he was named an NCAA All-American along with the Commonwealth Conference Player of the Year. The 2004 Commonwealth Rookie of the Year, Heisey would go on to finish as Messiah baseball's statistical leader in career batting average (.405), total bases (294), longest hitting streak (14 games), career doubles (41), and career extra-base hits (71).
In his Falcon career, which lasted only three seasons before he was drafted by Cincinnati, Heisey collected 23 homeruns, 100 RBI, and stole 40 bases out of 42 attempts.
Heisey's collegiate career earned him a nomination as one of Messiah's Top 50 Athletes, a survey being launched this weekend as part of Messiah College's celebration of 50 Years of Messiah Athletics.
Still, he sounded like a humble star when asked about the relationships he's built along the way.
“I get to see a number of my college friends during the season, and in the off-season,” said Heisey, quick to highlight the importance of meaningful friendships. “It's great to have those friends in my life, giving me support and sharing a common faith.”
Heisey, who routinely signs autographs that include a Christian cross, takes his faith with him onto baseball fields across the country. He annually volunteers for interviews at the Reds' Faith Day promotion, and encourages teammates to attend weekly chapel services with him in the clubhouse.
“Some teammates come with me to the chapels, others turn me down,” noted Heisey, starting to smile. “But they understand what my beliefs are. I've been able to earn their respect, even if they disagree with me. It's been great to have conversations (on faith) with a few guys, and I always look forward to more in the future.”
Now back in Pennsylvania for the off-season, Heisey is looking forward to some downtime after battling through a grueling, 162-game regular season schedule that runs from April through September. Still a fan of the Falcons, Heisey does his best to attend athletic contests throughout the winter and spring—including, of course, the baseball games.
When asked what he might say to the next Messiah student with big dreams, whether in professional sports or otherwise, Heisey didn't hesitate with his answer.
“You have work hard and keep Christ as your focus,” said the Reds' rising star. “To be honest, I didn't think I had much of shot to be an MLB player, but I continued to work hard. If you fall short, you'll still end up in a great place with Christ at the center.”
