Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church

View from the Pew

Faith, Tradition, Baseball, and the Catholic Church

Faith has always been the foundation of our lives, guiding us through challenges and triumphs. The Catholic Church, as the Body of Christ, provides spiritual direction, while baseball reflects humanity’s longing for order, purpose, and community. Though baseball shares outward similarities with faith, Catholicism is sacred, while baseball remains a human tradition. However, the game can inspire reflection and help us grow in virtues that bring us closer to God.
Rituals shape both faith and baseball.
       The Mass follows a sacred liturgical order—from the Opening Prayer to the Eucharist—deepening our relationship with God through seasons like Advent, Lent, Easter, and Christmas. Devotions such as the Rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours keep us connected to God’s presence. Similarly, baseball has structured routines—the National Anthem, the first pitch, nine innings, and the seventh-inning stretch. While these rituals create rhythm and tradition, they are not sacred. Yet, baseball’s discipline, focus, and perseverance can inspire us to cultivate the virtues needed for a strong spiritual life.
        Sacred spaces in the Catholic Church, like St. Peter’s Basilica or our local parish, are consecrated for divine worship. They draw us into God’s presence, reminding us of the eternal. Baseball stadiums like Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium, while inspiring admiration, are spaces for recreation, not worship. Still, the sense of community within a ballpark can mirror the unity of the Church, reminding us of our call to build the Body of Christ through charity and fellowship.
        The Church honors saints—extraordinary figures like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Joan of Arc—who inspire generations with their holiness and devotion. Baseball also celebrates its heroes, such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, and Roberto Clemente. While their achievements are rooted in sport, their virtues can reflect Christian values. Robinson’s courage in breaking the color barrier reminds us of Christ’s command to love one another, and Clemente’s selflessness echoes the Gospel's call to serve the poor. Just as Catholics cherish relics as reminders of faith, baseball fans hold onto memorabilia as symbols of excellence, though one points to holiness and the other to human achievement.
        Faith and superstition often intersect in baseball, but there is a key difference. A player making the Sign of the Cross before stepping up to bat is expressing faith, while adjusting a glove or tapping home plate is simply a routine. In our spiritual lives, we develop habits of prayer, Scripture reading, and charity to keep us focused on Christ, just as athletes rely on discipline to succeed. Commitment to both faith and baseball requires perseverance. The Church has endured trials but remains a beacon of truth and salvation. Fans remain loyal through tough seasons, but their hope is in a game. Catholicism, however, promises eternal life—a victory beyond anything baseball can offer.
       While baseball is not sacred, it can remind us of deeper spiritual truths. Its themes of perseverance and redemption reflect our Christian hope. As we strive to live holy lives, let us remember that our ultimate triumph is in faith—eternal life with Christ.
       Let us hit a Grand Slam this Lenten Season.
     Joe Marateo