For a baseball purist like myself, Opening Day is like Christmas, Flag Day and Lincoln's birthday all wrapped into one. In short, it's pretty much the greatest event of the year outside of the annual hot-dog eating contest at Coney Island.
So, it's a shame to see some controversy surrounding one the holiest days to those who worship at the altar of baseball.
So, it's a shame to see some controversy surrounding one the holiest days to those who worship at the altar of baseball.
"The Detroit Tigers have upset some Catholics who are unhappy that the club's home opener is scheduled during holy hours on Good Friday.
Traditional Christian belief says Jesus hung on the cross from noon to 3 p.m. on Good Friday. All 30 baseball teams play April 10, but the Tigers' 1:05 p.m. game against the Texas Rangers is the only one during holy hours.
Speaking as a devout Tigers fan, I think anything we can do to keep a supreme being from smiting us into another last-place finish would be a good move. But, I won't hold my breath.
Detroit's unholy Opening Day (Sun-Times)
I grew up Catholic in Detroit in the 1950's. At the time, people asked, "What parish do you live in?" instead of "What part of town." And yes, Mom kept us in from noon to three on Good Friday, and it seemed the right thing to do. Besides, it was tornado season, and we often had to stay in the basement on spring afternoons.
I suppose life is different now and not so many people honor Good Friday. I can't say I'm offended, but it was a good thing when people could keep certain days sacred.
I moved away from Detroit in 1958, but I'm still a Tigers fan (and I'm still a Catholic). Grandma was the best Catholic I've ever known, and she loved the Tigers. She knew every player and all their statistics. I'm sure Grandma wouldn't mind if they played on Good Friday. She'd make a novena to make sure they won the pennant.
And the family down the block was friends with Al Kaline, and we'd see his pink Cadillac convertible there pretty often. It's too bad the old days are gone.
-Joe-
I was pretty offended, but then I reminded myself that I'll be attending the Blackhawks game on Easter Sunday. So I told myself sternly to pipe down.
Kyle responds: God loves inner monologues.
um, how many of the players are devout catholics? i mean this ain't hank greenberg's tigers in 1940-whatever -- geez.