Christian broadcaster Frank Pastore leaves legacy of hope

Christian radio show host and former major league baseball pitcher Frank Pastore died Monday from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last month. He was 55.

Pastore was riding his motorcycle home after a broadcast of The Frank Pastore Show on Nov. 19 when a car swerved into his lane on the 210 Freeway. He suffered head trauma and was in a coma for a month before passing away Monday afternoon.

On the day of the accident, Pastore discussed the immortality of the soul on his show. He brought up a hypothetical scenario: “You guys know I ride a motorcycle, right? So at any moment … I could be spread over the 210, but that’s not me, that’s my body parts. And that key distinction undergirds the entire Judeo-Christian worldview and also your pursuit of reality.” Three hours later, Pastore’s hypothetical scenario became reality.

Pastore’s friend Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, wrote on his blog: “I know that Frank is in heaven right now. He was a faithful follower and servant of Jesus Christ. I am confident Frank was welcomed into God’s presence with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. … Enter into the joy of your Lord!’”

Pastore was born in Anaheim, Calif., and started pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 1979. At the time, he considered himself a practical atheist and evolutionist but felt dissatisfied with his life. When a fastball hit his right elbow in 1984, ending his career, he felt his world had shattered. Several Christian teammates invited him to a Bible study, and as he tried to disprove Christianity, he came to realize that the Bible was true.

Pastore retired from baseball in 1987. He got a degree in business before attending Biola University for a masters in philosophy of religion. He attended Claremont Graduate School for a masters in political philosophy and government.

He started The Frank Pastore Show in 2004, a three-hour broadcast at Salem’s Los Angeles station, KKLA, during which he discussed political and social issues from a Christian worldview. The show became the number-one talk show in Christian radio. Last year it won a National Religious Broadcasters award for long-form radio show.

After his death was announced on the KKLA website Monday, his wife, Gina, said listeners have been sharing their condolences with the radio station.

“People are calling in and crying and mourning with us,” Gina told the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. “I want to thank so many people for their outpouring of love and support. That's really helped to sustain our family during this difficult time.”

Gina said she finds comfort knowing her husband is with the Lord now, enjoying the heaven he often spoke about. The couple have two children.

“Frank was all about the Gospel,” Gina added. “I just pray God will continue to use his legacy.”