by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Heading into the third annual Pitching for Priests event at 0-2, priests from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas are eager to get the win this time around.
“We all know it’s for fun, but if we’re going to go out there and thousands of people are going to come, we might as well work to win,” said Father Scott Wallisch, vocations director for the archdiocese.
Pitching for Priests is a softball event in which priests from the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas compete against priests from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
This year’s event will take place on June 19 at Community America Ballpark in Kansas City, Kansas.
“We have a ton of fun and we all get very excited for it,” said Father Wallisch.
Our priests even have a few practices scheduled, he said, so they’re prepared for the competition.
Their strategy?
“We have to walk the balance between having all of those priests who want to play and putting our best players out there,” said Father Wallisch.
“This year, I think our team is pretty strong,” he added.
Father Wallisch knows the competition on the other side of the state line is solid, but he feels confident in his team’s potential.
The support from the fans doesn’t hurt, either.
“We love the support of everyone who comes, and I think my favorite part of the game is watching the fans have a lot of fun,” said Father Wallisch.
“Even if we didn’t have any fun, even if we lost every year, the fact that the fans come out and have a good time — that just makes the evening for me,” he continued.
This is a great event for families to come celebrate Father’s Day and support our priests and seminarians, said Father Wallisch.
All proceeds benefit the vocation fund for each diocese.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at: thecatholicradio network.com or by calling (816) 630-1090. Player introductions, the national anthem and the first pitch will begin at 4:45 p.m. The game starts at 5 p.m.
