Podcast Summary: Ep 1225 | The Savannah Bananas Player Bringing Jesus to Baseball | Robert Anthony Cruz (Coach RAC)
Podcast Information:
- Title: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
- Host: Allie Beth Stuckey
- Network: Blaze Podcast Network
- Episode: Ep 1225
- Release Date: August 1, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1225 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Allie Beth Stuckey engages in a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Robert Anthony Cruz, popularly known as Coach Rack. As a player for the renowned Savannah Bananas baseball team and a prominent TikToker, Coach Rack shares his journey through professional baseball, his deep-rooted Christian faith, and his commitment to mentoring young athletes.
Early Life and Faith
Robert Anthony Cruz begins by recounting his upbringing in a Christian home. "Both my sister and I were raised in a Christian home with new believers for parents," he explains (02:38). His parents, initially non-believers, converted to Christianity after struggling to conceive, leading to the birth of his sister and himself. Homeschooling was a significant part of his childhood, where his mother homesteaded with chickens and a garden, creating a "granola" lifestyle that ingrained strong values from an early age (03:09).
Baseball Journey: From Youth to Pros
Coach Rack's passion for sports began surprisingly with gymnastics. "I did gymnastics from when I was, like, five until I was eight years old," he shares (03:32). However, the lack of men's gymnastics programs led him to switch to baseball at the age of eight, setting him on the path to becoming a professional player. His ambition was clear from his first game, aiming to play professionally despite the challenges of starting late compared to his peers.
His collegiate career took him from UC Riverside to Biola University, where he flourished as a baseball player. "At Biola University, I had an okay first year and then my next two years on the baseball field, at least I did well," he notes (12:32).
Facing Setbacks and Transition to Social Media
Robert's transition to professional baseball was both exhilarating and daunting. Signed by the Washington Nationals in 2021, he quickly faced the harsh reality of professional sports. "After only a year, I was released from the organization," he reveals (14:48). This unexpected setback led him to reassess his future, ultimately turning to social media to share his experiences and insights.
A viral TikTok video announcing his signing catapulted him to fame, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers. Despite the initial shock of his release, Robert leveraged his newfound platform to produce coaching videos, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond athletic performance. "I wanted the next generation of ballplayers to know that they don't have to have their identity wrapped up in how they perform on the field," he states (21:30).
Personal Life: Meeting His Wife
Robert's support system plays a crucial role in his journey. He met his wife during their adolescence through a homeschooling community. "We ended up starting dating that year in 2014 and were together all through high school, college, and then got married right before I went to play pro Ball," he shares (16:17). Their marriage provided stability during challenging times, especially after his release from the Nationals.
Savannah Bananas: A New Chapter
In a surprising twist, Robert joined the Savannah Bananas, a unique baseball team known for their entertaining and interactive games. "Savannah Bananas are a new adaptation of baseball where at its core it's still baseball, but with a lot of different rules that speed up the game and tailor it to a newer audience," explains Robert (31:37). This move reconnected him with his love for the game in a fresh and dynamic environment.
Faith in Sports and Teams
While the Savannah Bananas organization is not exclusively Christian, Robert highlights the presence of fellow believers within the team. "The players, many of them are believers, and that's been really cool to see," he notes (34:21). This shared faith fosters a supportive community, evident in their commitment to weekly Bible studies and dedicated prayer sessions. Robert emphasizes the importance of praying boldly and consistently for his teammates, believing that "true joy, true peace, true satisfaction comes through relationship with You" (36:33).
Baseball Camps and Community Engagement
Beyond playing, Robert is passionate about mentoring young athletes through his initiative, Not Your Average Baseball Camp (NYABC). "We want to create the most not average experience possible for these kids and treat them like royalty," he describes (38:44). Despite initial financial challenges, the camp has grown exponentially, now accommodating around a thousand kids with dedicated coaches and volunteers. The camps culminate in prayer, reinforcing the integration of faith and sportsmanship.
Messages to Athletes and Parents
Robert offers profound advice to young athletes and their parents, emphasizing the importance of balancing competitiveness with spiritual growth. "You'll never experience more joy and fulfillment than when you have a relationship with the Creator," he advises (40:39). He encourages athletes to strive for excellence while maintaining their identity rooted in something greater than their achievements. "Focus more on who you are becoming in the process, and realize that true satisfaction comes from a relationship with the Creator," he concludes (44:34).
Final Thoughts
Coach Rack's journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the pursuit of authentic fulfillment. His transition from aspiring professional athlete to influential coach and mentor underscores the impact of integrating personal values with professional endeavors. Through his work with the Savannah Bananas and NYABC, Robert Anthony Cruz continues to inspire and guide the next generation of athletes to find balance, purpose, and identity beyond the playing field.
Notable Quotes:
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On Christian Faith and Upbringing:
- "Both my sister and I were raised in a Christian home with new believers for parents." (02:38)
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On Transitioning to Social Media:
- "I want the next generation of ballplayers to know that they don't have to have their identity wrapped up in how they perform on the field." (21:30)
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On Joining Savannah Bananas:
- "Savannah Bananas are a new adaptation of baseball where at its core it's still baseball, but with a lot of different rules that speed up the game and tailor it to a newer audience." (31:37)
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On Faith in Sports:
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On Messages to Athletes:
Connect with Coach Rack:
- TikTok/Instagram/YouTube: @CoachRack
- Website: nyabaseball.com
- Savannah Bananas TikTok: SavannahBananas
For more insights and updates on Robert Anthony Cruz’s journey with the Savannah Bananas and his community initiatives, visit his YouTube channel and follow him on social media.