Marshall McDonald, 21, of Red Springs, wasn’t thinking of getting secular attention, or really the spirit of Christianity in general, when he applied to play for the NiagraPower baseball team two years ago.

Niagara Power Baseball is sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is comprised of college baseball athletes from all over the United States.

McDonald wanted a chance to play at a level that could advance his career.

The first baseman is now playing his second season for the Power.

As of last week he led the team in home runs. He credits his success with the Power for earning him a full scholarship to play at Montreat College in Ashville.

“We pray and do more spiritual things than the other teams,” said Cal Kern, owner and general manager of the faith-based, summer league team whose members are college ballplayers with big-league ambition.

The Power plays in a 14-team New York Collegiate Baseball League against squads such as the Glens Falls Golden Eagles and Oneonta Outlaws. Members of the Power - like players in other summer leagues - board with local families for the duration of the nine- to ten-week season. They hold free clinics for area children.

But Power players also attend Bible study and events at local churches that support the team.

“Our mission is to impact people through baseball,” said Kern. “We do that by teaching baseball and touching lives through a game that most kids love.”

Members of St. Peter’s and other churches that help sponsor the team tailgate at the Power’s home games at Sal Maglie Stadium in Niagara Falls. They invite players to speak to their school children. They worship with the ballplayers.

According to the CNHI News Service, McDonald said playing for the Power also strengthens his faith.

“I came here not really knowing what I was getting in to,” he said. “I got really close to God. It helped me out more as a man and a baseball player than I ever thought it would.”

Kern said some coaches look down upon Christian ballplayers as soft, but such spirituality is encouraged on his club.

“What our message is, if God has given you this ability to play, then you have the responsibility to play as hard as you can,” he said.

This summer Marshall was picked for the All Star Team. The game was played in Albany, N.Y. on July 12th. His father, Bryan flew up for the game.

Marshall was at Catawba Valley Junior College this past year playing baseball. He was picked for the All Region Team.

This Fall, McDonald will be playing baseball on the scholarship he received to Montreat College.

Marshall, a 2007 graduate of Red Springs High School, is the son of Bryan McDonald, of Lumberton, and the grandson of Gussie and Marshall McDonald of Red Springs.