Larry Andersen 

Larry Andersen was born in Portland, Oregon and played for Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and Houston Astros. He was the only Philadelphia Phillies player who played in both the 1983 and 1993 World Series. Larry is someone who truly understands that the only way to live our best life is through the Lord. He believes the Lord changed his life and now he lives for the Lord and serves him continually through means such as TTR/Hope House.

Larry Andersen and TTR

Larry has been very supportive of the TTR Ministry and has formed a close connection with the men from the Hope House. Larry has a strong bond with the men from this ministry and sees it as a true calling in life. He explains how TTR has had an impact on him: “more than anything it has been an open acknowledgement from God on what he wanted me to do.” Seeing how the Hope House guys have grown and interacted has encouraged him to spend more time in the Word on a daily basis.

Larry found out about TTR, the Hope House, and Christ Church when a good friend of his, Vince Nauss, the President of the Baseball Chapel in Clearwater, Florida, introduced him to Pastor Jeff Boettcher, after he interviewed him for Chaplain of the Philadelphia Phillies. Larry learned more about Christ Church and found out it was not too far from where he lived. When Larry met the guys of the Hope House he was completely inspired and influenced by them. One of the first moments he realized this was when he heard a testimony from a recovery addict and was inspired by the testimony he delivered. Larry realized that he wanted to start helping them on a regular basis. Larry had this to say about how the Lord has used the Hope House men to benefit him: “I'm using these guys for my relationship with the Lord, But it is God who is putting these feelings in my heart.”

Just LA 

Larry Andersen began his hat business, Just LA, around 40 years ago. He asked a buddy of his from high school, who worked in graphic design, to help him with a clothing line based on his name. He told him that he wanted to start a business with hats or T-Shirts. After debating several name ideas, Just LA became the name. His business would fully develop in 1986 which was around the same time he was released from the Phillies and transitioned to playing for the Houston Astros. He tried out selling different products such as T-Shirts and tank tops. He had a lot of fun with the business but stopped after it was taking up a lot of his time. Later on, in the summer of 2022, he began to revisit opening up the business. He was speaking with his broadcast partner, Scott Franzke, who started the relationship with Caz Ferrante, the owner of Threadworks Embroidery, who brought his Just LA designs back to life. All Just LA proceeds benefit TTR/Hope House.

Larry Andersen: Sports and Life

Andersen’s favorite sports memory was in 1993 when he and the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League Pennant. He believed that everyone clicked and was a team based on the love all the players had for each other as well as the fans. He also had the opportunity to speak at 76ers games and other Phillies events. “The Phillies are one of the most beloved teams that have played in Philadelphia after 30 years.” “1993 was the one year I thought this is what Baseball is about.” Even though 1993 was one of his favorite years he believed it was not his best on a “spiritual standpoint.” He believed his best moments were the ones where he lived for the Lord. Spiritually his favorite year was in 1986 he became a chaplain for the ball club and started to form Bible Study Programs for players and their wives.

A passage in the Bible that has spoken to Larry and is also his favorite is Proverbs 3:5-8. This verse talks about putting our trust in the Lord and not leaning on any of our thoughts or ideas. Larry had this to say about this biblical passage:  “It’s been something I just have leaned on. God has a plan and all I have to do is trust in him.” 

There are a handful of sports stars that have inspired Larry, including former Phillies player Dickie Noles, who has had his life turned around by the Lord. Larry was also inspired by two former NFL players who attended Bible studies with Larry, Jim Zorn, former Seattle Seahawks QB and Steve Largent, former Seattle Seahawks WR. All these sports stars had what Larry would call “a transformation to put God first in their lives.”