by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — “I didn’t expect to see this many people here!” enthused Archbishop Shawn McKnight. “This is a lot of fun.”
It was Archbishop McKnight’s first time at the annual Pitching for Priests softball game featuring the priests of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas versus the priests of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. And the crowd did not disappoint.
The Aug. 8 event drew a roaring 4,225 fans from both sides of the state line to Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas.
“It’s a lot of fun playing on a big stage with people that love us and support us,” said Father Thomas Maddock, pastor of Holy Angels Parish in Garnett and St. John the Baptist Parish in Greeley. “It’s pretty electric.”
Priests from both dioceses put on a show, but it was Kansas who ultimately came out on top, defeating their fellow priests for the fourth year in a row after a walk-off hit from Father Dan Morris, archdiocesan vocations director and team manager for the Kansas side.
Father Morris said the win was special but not the most important part of the night.
“The winning number that matters most to us priests that play in the game is the record number of fans and parishioners that come out each year,” he said.
Pitching for Priests is sponsored by Catholic Radio Network. This year’s event was free, but donations were accepted to benefit the vocations offices of both dioceses.
The fun kicked off with tailgating in the parking lot followed by a kids’ run on the field, the introduction of players and seminarians, an opening prayer by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Missouri diocese and the national anthem sung by the Northland Catholic youth choir.
In his prayer, Bishop Johnston thanked God for the annual competition that brings both Catholic communities together.
“And even though we’re divided by our team loyalties,” he said, “we are certainly united by our Catholic faith and our love for you, Lord.”
Bishop Johnston prayed for more religious vocations from young people and for God’s blessing upon both dioceses.
“We ask you to bless our priests tonight in this annual competition,” he said. “Protect them from harm, help them to play their best — especially the boys in blue,” and after a long pause, “and red.”
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann joined Archbishop McKnight on the sidelines to support the priests in red. He also stepped up to the plate, earning two hits while Archbishop McKnight served as a pinch runner both times, to the delight of the crowd.
The evening included a solemn moment in honor of Father Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot on April 3 outside his rectory at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca, where he served as pastor.
Father Joel Haug, the parish’s parochial administrator, shared a few words as he held up a No. 3 jersey with Father Carasala’s name and invited the crowd to join him in a Hail Mary for the late priest.
After Kansas celebrated their win, they stood side-by-side with the priests of Missouri, singing the “Regina Caeli” led by Father Anthony Ouellette, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, along with the crowd.
For Father Maddock, the game is a meaningful experience each year.
“I think sports teach you a lot about life and virtue and how to be a team player,” he said.
Archbishop McKnight was impressed by both the camaraderie and the players’ performance.
“I love the good rivalry, the positive rivalry, between the two dioceses,” he said. “They have a lot of respect for each other.
“It requires a team effort and people working together. That’s a lot of what our faith tells us.”
To view more photos from the Pitching for Priests game, click here.
