A day after receiving the National League’s Cy Young Award, New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey returned to his hometown of Nashville to serve as the guest speaker in a chapel sponsored by the College of Business.

Dickey was presented with the College of Business’s “Heroes of Business” award by Dean Turney Stevens.

“Could it be any better than that?” Stevens said, asking the audience about the timing of Dickey’s arrival to Nashville.

After being greeted by a standing ovation, Dickey spoke to a full crowd about his faith and life’s adversities.

Dickey shared his story in front of a mixed group of students, faculty and fans, often referencing his new autobiography Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball that was released earlier this year.

Dickey said his life has been met with much adversity, but the Mets pitcher reaffirmed that through his struggles, he kept his faith in God, which Dickey credits to his success.

“Don’t give up hope,” Dickey said.

Dickey said part of his road to recovery involved mending his relationship with his wife, affirming his belief that “God has really designed us for relationship.”

Dickey told the crowd he believes his walk of faith is a process. “God wants me to live the next five minutes well.”

Just yesterday, Dickey was awarded the Cy Young Award, an honor bestowed to a pitcher from both leagues in the MLB each season. Dickey said he believes the award he was given is one “that’s meant to be shared” with those around him.

When asked who his idols were growing up, Dickey cited Satchel Page, Nolan Ryan and Ricky Bowers, his uncle and a former Bison. Dickey also answered the request of a student to throw one of his signature knuckleballs, with the help of business professor Dr. Randy Bostic.

Dickey said he hopes his testimony could come from not just a famous MLB pitcher – but a fellow believer in Christ.

“I’m not up here because I’m a Cy Young winner, or that I’ve done some great thing,” Dickey said. “I’m up here because I’m the product of a merciful, loving God.”

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