From baseball’s greatest spotlight, to God’s spotlight: The Story of Landon Powell
Travis Willmann, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of North Greenville University
North Greenville University’s Head Baseball Coach Landon Powell has always been a baseball standout, especially at the University of South Carolina. In his career at South Carolina, he went to the world series final game, and several world series appearances.
After his career was done at South Carolina, he was drafted 24th overall by the Oakland Athletics, in the Major League Baseball draft. He averaged a .207 batting average from 2004 to 2013, according to ESPN.com.
However, Powell could not brace for what was about to happen to him. In 2012, Powell and his wife gave birth to two beautiful twin daughters, Izzie and Ellie. After birth, Izzie was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis or HLH. Powell spent every day and every night right beside his daughter in the hospital. During this time Powell did not perform any baseball activities in order to be there for his family
After five months Izzie lost her fight to this rare autoimmune disease and Powell returned to baseball. He signed a contract with the New York Mets, but was cut and sent to the minor league. Powell saw this as a sign from God and retired from baseball in 2013.
Powell’s story has touched the lives of everyone that has heard it. “Izzie lived a short five months, but her story has touched the lives of hundreds of people,” said Powell. “People look at our story and see how we trusted God; I know for a fact that that has opened people’s eyes to see our Lord and Savior.”
Powell became a baseball coach to change his players lives. Powell first started coaching at Furman University where he was an assistant coach. When the position opened at North Greenville to become the Head coach, Powell said it was the perfect position for him. “At most universities, you are not allowed to talk about God; here at North Greenville, I am allowed to tell my story and show how God changed my life,” said Powell.
