A Father’s Dream

The Number 16 and the Legacy I See in My Son

Young athlete in number 16 jersey stands determined on baseball field at sunset. Golden light symbolizes hope and elevation. Number 17 faintly visible, representing future transformation and greatness ahead.

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By Marco Benavides | Faith Warrior Chronicles

🌟 The Truth will Set You Free ✨

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A father’s dream for his son: from number 16 to 17, following Shohei Ohtani’s path. Faith, baseball, and the legacy of Triple B—Benny the Beast Benavides.

Every father has dreams for his children. Some dream of doctors, lawyers, or business leaders. Me? I dream of baseball diamonds, championship games, and the number 16 transforming into 17.

Let me explain.

My son’s name is Aidan Benavides. But around here, we call him Triple B—Benny the Beast Benavides. And he’s earned that nickname through hard work, discipline, and a love for the game that runs deeper than most.

Aidan wears number 16. Not because it’s his favorite number, but because it’s his birthday. It’s personal. It’s his identity on the field. And every time I watch him play, I see something special—a fire, a determination, a hunger to be great.

But here’s where my dream gets interesting.

The Shohei Ohtani Connection

A few months ago, I was watching Shohei Ohtani play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and something caught my attention. Throughout his high school career, his college years, and his minor league journey, Shohei wore number 16.

Then, one day, he switched to number 17.

And that switch? It marked his elevation. His breakthrough. His arrival on the world’s biggest stage.

From 16 to 17. From good to great. From promise to fulfillment.

When I realized this, I looked at my son wearing his number 16, and I thought: This is it. This is the pattern.

A Father’s Vision

I don’t know when it will happen. I don’t know if it will be in high school, college, or beyond. But I dream that one day, my son Aidan will make that same transition.

I dream that he’ll switch from 16 to 17.

I dream that this number change will mark an elevation in his game—a moment where everything clicks, where his hard work pays off, where his potential becomes reality.

And I pray—I genuinely pray—that when he does, he’ll do even greater things than Shohei Ohtani.

Now, I’m not saying this to be arrogant or presumptuous. Shohei is an incredible athlete, a generational talent, and a blessing to baseball. But as a father, I see something in my son. I see his work ethic. I see his character. I see his faith.

I see a kid who’s been tested, who’s faced setbacks, who’s learned that adversity isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a better one.

More Than Just Numbers

Here’s the thing about being a father: your dreams for your children aren’t really about the accolades or the fame. They’re about watching your kid become who God created them to be.

For Aidan, that happens to involve a baseball diamond and a number change. But it’s really about:

• Character - Playing with integrity

• Discipline - Showing up every single day

• Faith - Trusting God through wins and losses

• Legacy - Using his platform to inspire others

• Purpose - Understanding that talent is a gift to be stewarded

When Aidan eventually wears number 17, it won’t just be a jersey change. It will be a declaration: “I’ve grown. I’ve overcome. I’m ready for what’s next.”

Only Time Will Tell

Do I know for certain that Aidan will play in Major League Baseball? No. Do I know that he’ll switch to number 17? No. Do I know that he’ll surpass Shohei Ohtani’s achievements? Only God knows.

But what I do know is this: I believe in my son. I believe in his potential. I believe in his heart.

And I believe that God has a plan for him that’s far greater than anything I can dream up.

The Real Championship

As I watch Aidan grow, train, and compete, I’m reminded that the real victory isn’t about winning games or breaking records. It’s about becoming a man of character, faith, and purpose.

It’s about using whatever platform God gives you—whether that’s a baseball field or something else entirely—to glorify Him and inspire others.

So yes, I dream about number 16 becoming number 17. I dream about championship games and standing ovations. I dream about my son achieving greatness in the sport he loves.

But more than anything, I dream of a son who knows that his true worth isn’t found in his jersey number or his batting average. It’s found in his relationship with God and the love he gives to those around him.

That’s the real Triple B legacy I’m praying for.

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Reflection

• What dreams do you have for your children?

• How do you balance ambition with faith?

• What would it look like to pursue excellence while staying grounded in purpose?

Selah.

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🔥 CALL TO ACTION 🔥

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In Faith, Love and Hope,

Marco “Faith Warrior” Benavides

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