What Coaches and Leaders Can Learn from the NL Manager of the Year: Gabe Kapler

Earlier this week, I wrote a tribute to a great Jesuit priest, an exceptional human being, Rev. Tony Sauer, SJ who died on Sunday, November 28. The world lost a legend. Reflecting upon his life prompted me to write the post: Remembering Father Tony Sauer, SJ: Hope, Humanity, and Holiness. As of this moment, over 1,200 have read that blog, by far most unique views Sports and Spirituality has received in 12 years time. It speaks to Tony—who he was and what he meant to others. And what a subject!  

Not knowing where I ought to take this blog next, I figured Why not highlight another exemplary San Francisco leader? Though these men are apples and oranges, both men found success in their work because of something critically important to leadership, in relationships, and toward the accomplishment of a goal: communication. 

Father Tony was an outstanding homilist and public speaker. Because he was authentic, erudite, prepared and thoughtful—his audience was always happy to listen and learn. I still remember some of what he taught us about the Gospel through the spoken word. He was also a prolific letter writer. Like many of the greats in US History—Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and George H.W. Bush—he understood the power of pen, paper and stamp!

I started writing this blog shortly after Kapler was named National League Manager of the Year. It seems odd to connect him to a Catholic priest. Nonetheless, he offers so much for coaches and other leaders to learn from. Enjoy!

Kap
Though well deserved, it's hard to get too excited about the announcement of MLB's Executive of the year. Yes, even though the 2021 honoree is the President of Operations for my San Francisco Giants, this distinction speaks to the business side of baseball vs. the down and dirty, hands on way they play the game. But the orange and black got to celebrate one day later. In a surprise to absolutely no one Gabe Kapler was named the NL Manager of the year. Congratulations Kap...and bigger congrats to Fahan for hiring him.

When hired in in 2019, Kapler knew he had big shoes and a big cap to fill. As the 37th manager of the Giants, he took over for the three-time championship skipper Bruce Bochy (size 8 1/8 hat). Kapler was appointed to this leadership role after being fired for failing to take the Philadelphia Phillies—a talented club— to the post-season two years in a row. 

In a surprise to just about everyone, the Giants chose Kapler among the candidates. The media was skeptical.  Fans were too. This decision left my friend Kevin believing Farhan was a plant by the Dodgers. We held our breath but not our tongues. Two years later, a new story has emerged. 

Though the Giants failed to make the COVID-post season by one game, one year later they won the NL West for the first time in 9 years. Under Kapler the team also won a record 107 games. In doing so, he received 28 out of 30 first place votes for Manager of the year. 

I hope you are wondering How? How did he do it? or maybe you are asking Why? Why did he succeed? From what I have read and heard on the radio, I would like to offer a few answers. Fellow coaches, take note. Leaders pay heed. Fans, thank God. 

1. Communication
Time and again, I have heard Kapler is an excellent communicator. 

MLB writes, "Kapler was praised by his players for maintaining open lines of communication with them throughout the regular season, an important aspect for any manager, but it was especially important given the way the Giants utilized their entire roster in order to optimize every possible matchup. San Francisco shattered the record for pinch-hit appearances as Kapler exploited right-left matchups aggressively."

I don't know what relationship doesn't benefit from good communication. In the Athletics office at St Francis where I work, we encourage coaches to over-communicate. Don't assume what athletes, teams or parents know. It's important to reach out and do so regularly through our words—both written and spoken, shared and promoted. Clearly, Kapler found the right tools for make the lines of communication open and strong. 

2. Become a good listener.

Over the years, Kapler said, he has learned to listen more intently to the needs of his players and use the information to inform his in-game decisions. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “I think I’ve really started to respect, understand and appreciate the feedback that I’m getting from players on a regular basis,” he said. “I really trust our players.”  That ability to listen has led to a hallmark of Kapler's style of leader and what is interesting to me is that it has led to...

3. Trust
As written in Gabe Kapler opens up about initial perception when Giants hired him, Kapler admits, “my goal was and continues to be to earn trust over the course of time. You don’t earn it in the first conversation. You earn it through consistent work and loyalty over a period of years. I think we’re off to a good start of building that foundation of trust, and I think we have to continue to build on it if we want to keep this level of excitement going about the Giants.” 

Trust is never a given. Quite often it is something we feel must be earned. When it is broken, or shattered (think of the image of a mirror) it takes time to We all thrive when when members of a team feel that they can be trusted and when they trust one another.

4. Welcoming and Promoting Diversity

As told by Steve Gilbert, "I also feel like we've built one of the most diverse staffs in baseball," Kapler said. "And if there's anything that I think is worthy of being emulated, it's that. It's getting a wide variety of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, and baseball upbringings into our group so that every player on our club has somebody to connect with and somebody to relate to. I believe that diversity is critically important in baseball and [so is] helping people from marginalized groups get into decision-making positions in baseball. Part of the reason I think that's important is because I think a more diverse group of people, of humans, make better decisions as a group."

While some might credit Tom Brady with bringing a Super Bowl trophy to Tampa Bay, football insiders give credit to Bruce Arians and the diversity of the Buccaneers staff—one the field and in the front office. Kapler hired the first female coach in MLB, Alyssa Nakken. Looks like one good decisions led to many more! 

5. Focus—Intentionality and Purpose
And here in San Francisco, our local news was proud to report what Kapler had to say. "I have to be putting one foot in front of the other and focused on the job that I have in front of me," he said. "There just isn't enough energy to be doing anything else. Last couple years I've been really focused on helping to build that environment that I mentioned. And we're doing it with a lot of great people in this organization in San Francisco -- in the front office and everybody under the clubhouse roof, but also [people] across the organization who have been working really hard to put together a really excellent baseball operations department. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but I think we've taken some pretty big steps in the last couple years."

The great enemy of excellence just might be distraction. Kapler nails it when he speaks of the need to keep our energy focused and channeled toward a specific goal.  His words are a great reminder for me as a leader of a team in the classroom.

6. Growth and Development for All
“My goal is obviously to support the players and what their goals are, create an environment that’s helpful for players to grow and develop and for staff members to also grow and develop,” Kapler said after winning the award.

I became a good teacher at St. Ignatius, where I taught for 16 years because of my fellow colleagues and the school's emphasis on professional development. The benefits from those classes, courses and retreats bore fruit in the classroom, the relationships I developed with teachers at SI and other schools and creative ventures (like this blog). 

Because of his ability to successfully fundraise, Father Tony and SI were able to provide opportunities for professional development at little to not cost to faculty. I availed myself to and appreciated these opportunities. I am so grateful. 

The world says "invest in yourself." I get it. And yet, two great leaders invested in themselves and in others. The result? No communication necessary. It speaks for itself.

Photo Credits

Diversity of Coaches
Renewed Contract
Vs. LA

Pieces of Perspective and Inspiration: Does This World Series Warrant an Asterisk?

It's not in my nature to delight in the misgivings of others. I aim to be a positive person and usually want what is best for people. That is, unless you wear Pantone 294....or are on the receiving end of one of my favorite cheers. When I yell "Beat LA!" I mean it. 

For the past eight years, those pesky Dodgers have captured the National League West. And with the payroll and the talent they have, they should. But to my delight, they have returned to Chavez Ravine without the Commissioner's Trophy again and again. Their faults, their floundering and their failings somehow make the San Francisco Giants 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series titles that much sweeter. Is there a Yiddish word for the OPPOSITE of "Schadenfreude?"

With a 3-2 game lead in the World Series, LA may do what they have not done since Kirk Gibson rounded the bases in 1988. It goes without saying that 2020 is different in the sports world and everywhere else—and yet a World Series is underway. I have wondered, if I were an LA fan, Would I want the title as much as I would in a "regular" year? Will it mean as much?  The Giants fan in me takes smug satisfaction in thinking they will get their "just desserts" in this way....or will they?! Fortunately, ESPN's Sports Daily podcast "Jeff Passan on a World Series Unlike Any Other" provided some much needed perspective. And so entries number 5 and 6 of perspective and inspiration stem from  the 2020 Fall Classic. Enjoy.

Perspective: ESPN Daily host Pablo Torre asked, "Does this actually feel like a real World Series to you—given your experience in the past and what you are witnessing right now?" ESPN columnist Jeff Passan responded.

This does not just feel like a real World Series, this feels like the culmination of a season that almost shouldn't have been. Major League Baseball pressed forward with the regular season in hopes that it would reach the post-season. When the Marlins had their COVID outbreak and the Cardinals had their outbreak, MLB could have very easily shut things down. They chose not to and what happened over the two or so months on the season, to me, was something as every bit as difficult as 162 games. 

It may not have been as tiring physically, but the mental grind that players went through everyday to abide by protocols, to during the course of this month—about half of it to be separated from their families—and I understand this is not quite what the NBA bubble was like but I  look at those people who say that this season warrants an asterisk and I agree.

It warrants and asterisk for how tough it was and for how impressive what the players have done, is. 

I will look back on 2020 whoever winds up being the World Series champions and give them even more credit than I do a typical championship.

Whether it's a baseball player, whether its a baseball writer, a podcast host, or whether it is any other person out there in the world right now, we all know how hard 2020 has been. To be at your absolute apex professionally, in front of no fans every night, in front of this silence when you're used to something different! I think it took an incredible amount of mental strength that players probably haven't been given enough credit for but hopefully they get their due this week.

Many sports reports are entitled "Inside INSERT YOUR SPORT HERE." Passan's remarkable insight affirmed when someone speaks from "Inside Baseball" he or she has a perspective worth considering.

Inspiration: If you happened to catch Game 5 in this series, you were reminded why we love sports. It was a four hour plus dose of inspiration. But I have also found it in the Rays' defense. As great as the Ray's outfielders are, as is the left side of the infield, I'd like to give a special shout out for Ji Man Choi. 

Passan and Torre spent several minutes discussing the 6'1" 260 pound first baseman. They said "For a man of his size to do the splits is truly a marvel. Choi is a large man. I almost think he does it to show off a little bit."

Choi inspires me because if he can do the splits, so can I. I also appreciate how he conducts himself on and off the field. He's a good hitter, strong on D and in the dugout I can't help but notice he smiles all the time. There's only one Ji Man. 

In Conclusion: I am hoping this Series goes to seven games. Regardless of who prevails, whether or not baseball history puts an asterisk next to the winner, I will truly see that with the perspective of those Inside MLB and all it has taken to make 2020 a go. Thanks to the athletes, coaches, families and admin who let that happen. It's been a great ride.

Photo Credits
Splits
Logo
Plate
Mike

The Virtues of Video Games by way of Shohei Ohtani

Do you play video games? Did you spend an inordinate amount of time playing them in college? Read: Do you believe you would now be a medical doctor if you had not? Do you know someone who is gainfully employed, married and raising children and still plays them? Have you expressed your concern? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, fear not. The purpose of this posting is to suggest video games might not be the moral enemy. In fact, they might have a worthy purpose. Video games might have virtues, too. The Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani has helped me understand how and why.

If you haven't already participated in Think ND's on-line course, The Good Life, stop reading now and check it out. (During the COVID-19 hiatus, this might be one of the best things do do!) Dr. Meghan Sullivan a professor of philosophy asks her students to consider, reflect upon, discuss and share their thoughts and responses to the big questions we should be asking.

One question my students have been spending some time with is "What is a my purpose?"

Sullivan proposes virtues—those good moral habits that constitute our character can help us discern an answer. As a high school ethics teacher, I take age appropriate steps toward these questions. With the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm in mind, I enter into their world, connect to their interests, reference their culture for a more lively and spirited question. Fortunately, I found one in the place and space I often do: the wide world of sports. 

Right now my favorite podcast is ESPN Sports Daily, hosted by Mina Kimes. Shohei Ohtani was the subject of the March 5 episode. As reported on their website: 

Shohei Ohtani is one of the Angels' biggest stars, who, at the peak of his game, excels as both a pitcher and batter. Last season, Ohtani was only able to contribute at the plate, as his recovery from Tommy John surgery kept him off the mound. Will the 2020 season see Ohtani participate in both phases of the game, and why is that so unique in MLB? ESPN's Alden Gonzalez traces Ohtani's career and explains what makes him an exceptional talent.

Ohtani has been dubbed the most interesting player in baseball. I find who he is and what he does outside of MLB to be interesting too.

Standing 6'4" and weighing 210 lbs, Ohtani pitches with his right hand and bats left. Carrying the nickname "Sho Time," he hails from Ōshū, Iwate, in Northern Japan. He threw a 99 mph fastball in high school and was drafted from there by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters'. In December 2017 he signed with the Los Angeles Angels and had his MLB debut in 2018. Angels' fans anticipate his return to an active status and the impending start to the 2020 baseball season. 

It has taken Ohtani some time to adjust to American culture and his new clubhouse. In the podcast, Gonzalez said, 

He is a reserved guy, but gradually his teammates have come to know that he's a pretty funny guy, too. He can speak more English than he lets on and Spanish comes easier to him than English does. For example, there are times when he'll blurt out a Spanish cuss word. He's got this subtle humor and he's got some really good comedic timing.  

The big thing that allowed him to fit in with his teammates was that game Clash Royale. It's a video game. He's AMAZING at Clash Royale. Teammates started to see some of his personality come out. He talks trash while beating his teammates at it. Sometimes he's playing the game and beating somebody while multi-tasking. Clash Royale became a tool for him to interact with his teammates more. 

When I heard this anecdote, I knew I could use it for the good. The next day, I returned to my lesson plan and asked my students: Wha is the purpose of video games? What is the purpose of a friend? Sometimes when I ask students to start writing, it takes more than a minute for the pen to hit the paper. Not this time!

They noted that the purpose of a video game is entertainment. It's a way to have fun and to relax. Others admitted that it's a distraction. They said "it distracts me from what I need to do and what I am supposed to do." Many agreed. I responded with a question. What if I told you one purpose of a video game is to  connect you to others? Could that be true? They sat upright. 

I asked them if anyone had heard of Shohei Ohtani. I shared his story. They loved it. With their attention in mind, we returned to our philosophical conversation with vigor. Tell me the purpose of a friend. To support you. To be a person you can trust and rely upon. To help you be a better person. To care for you.... the list went on.

My friend Alex Montoya's personal motto is "See the Good." I know the frustration that too many parents (friends? spouses?) feel about video games. They can be addictive and kids spend far too much time in front of a screen, rather than reading, playing outside, doing chores, completing homework and so forth. However, one of the four classical or Cardinal Virtues is moderation. Video games, in moderation, might actually lead to "the good life."  As with Shohei Ohtani, we see that video games can bridge a cultural and linguistic divide. They can reveal our unique personality and help us to see others in a new light. Sounds like a good purpose to fulfill.

And don't forget "all things in moderation, even moderation."

Photo Credits
Think ND
Clash Royale
Head Shot
High Five
Two-Way Player
Cycle

Opening Day 2019: Hope Springs Eternal for 150 Years

On Opening Day 2019, I can't help but think "hope springs eternal." What a fitting way to frame the journey that awaits all 30 major league baseball teams and their fans. In what is the earliest Opening Day on record (for some it's never early enough), clubs from 27 different cities throughout the United States will do what they can from the dugout to the diamond to gel, hit, catch, and string it all together for a chance to play ball in October. Here are but a few reasons to celebrate today.

150 Years of MLB

"Sesquicentennial" is the word for an anniversary of 150 years; it's worth knowing and celebrating. In the United States, not much reaches this milestone. I have to wonder, will the NFL have Super Bowl CL?  Football fans know we are only at LIII. However, today, every club will sport MLB 150 patches on their caps. This is the first time a league-wide anniversary will be commemorated on something other than a sleeve. In fact, all clubs will wear special "MLB 150" patches on their uniforms for the entire 2019 season. The Reds will wear their own as this anniversary commemorates the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings—the first openly all-salaried professional baseball team.

David Adler of MLB writes "In addition to the league-wide patches, the Reds will also wear a series of 15 throwback uniforms throughout the season and feature a special commemorative logo on their caps and jerseys. MLB also announced on Tuesday that Manfred will be the grand marshal of the 100th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade in Cincinnati." Play Ball!

Every team plays today

Every club in the National League: East, Central or West as well as the American League: East, Central and West will take the field today. Maybe you are thinking: there is snow on the ground—baseball is starting? Yes. MLB reports that "the 2019 season will mark the second season under the scheduling format agreed to as part of the 2017-2021 Basic Agreement between MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The format, which extends the length of the season by adding an additional weekend of play at the beginning of the season, gives each Club three to four additional off days throughout the season to provide added rest and opportunities for rescheduling." 

I have waxed poetic about what is or is not Opening Day, before. It can be confusing. For example, the Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners played a two-game series in Tokyo. Therefore, the Mariners enter into Opening Day 2019 with a record of 2-0. Regardless, of that "soft opening" the designation of an official day by MLB as Opening Day 2019 with worth celebrating....even if just for the opportunity to check in and wish my fellow baseball fans a happy Opening Day.

Bunting
I know that Opening Day has some outstanding and meaningful traditions. The ceremonial first pitch, the parents who take their kids out of school for an "unexcused absence," the parade of legends who return to the yard and are honored on the field. Indeed, this panoply of rituals characterize our collective memories of Opening Day past and present! 

However, I still get the greatest thrill from something so simple. It's red, it's white and it's blue. It's doesn't have a song written in its honor for it isn't Star Spangled and although it sometimes can look faded, this take on Old Glory is ever fresh and new on Opening Day. Bunting. 

Bunting adorns the outside and the inside of every Major League Ballpark for Opening Day. You will see it on display with a modern twist beneath the Opening Day 2019 logo. The tradition must go back to the earliest of Opening Days as it has the look of yesteryear, and I just love it. I can imagine Teddy Roosevelt cheering for his team, his monocle in place....the bunting in the background.

No Room for Pessimism

We say that "hope spring eternal," but the full quote ought to be shared. Alexander Pope said "hope springs eternal in the human breast: Man never is, but always to be blest." The second half of this message is important to remember. Negativity, reality, and that writing on the wall make it hard to have and hold hope. But as Pope reminds us, we are blessed. We are blessed to have opportunities to start anew. We are blessed to have traditions to honor and reasons to celebrate. We are blessed to have sport—a chance for humanity to play and compete, to strive, learn, grow, and achieve our goals. 

San Francisco Giants fans struggled this morning to muster much excitement for the 2019 season. I wanted no part of that. We have A LOT of baseball—162 games to play! Trades to make. Balls to catch, hit, and land into the Bay. I know that tonight, I'll look for the box scores as well as the highlights with a keen eye on the MLB 150 patches and bunting in the background and raise a glass to this American past time, 150 years in the making.

Photo Credits
Bunting
MLB 150

How I Know the All Star Game Still Matters....

I love the midsummer classic. I won't come Wednesday, when I feel a little lost without a Giants game to listen to on the radio or a dull SportsCenter report, but every year I make a point of watching a game that many fans think is meaningless. So meaningless that the former commissioner Bud Selig put some stakes into the game: the team that won the game earned home field advantage in that season's World Series (a best of seven game venture). Think of the implications of that measure! It's a collective bargain agreement between the players of the NL and the AL to throw and hit strikes. And so I believe the All Star game adds yet another chapter to the narrative of sport. All Star games matter.Here's some evidence—beyond the cost of the ticket to attend the game!—that it does.

Early Friday morning, as I got in my car, I cursed the city I have lived in for the past 15 years. If you've spent a summer in San Francisco, you probably know what I'm about to say. Mark Twain said it best, so I'll let his words—a down right cliche in this town—do the talking.

There is something wrong with turning on windshield wipers, and wearing a down jacket in the month of July. My head tells me I should know better, but my heart can't accept this cold and wet truth. As I turned on the heat in my car, I fired a text message off to a friend who purchased tickets for that evening's Giants vs Diamondbacks game. I asked where we were sitting. I said that if we were in the upper and outer reserve, I didn't want to spend the time or money going to AT&T Park. 

I felt like a spoiled brat. My brother, in town from Washington DC was so disappointed that he wasn't able to get to a ball game during his five-day visit. Others would love to have a team that has the best record in baseball in their backyard. I just didn't have it in me to sit outside in a cold and windy seat for over three hours.

I put these points into perspective and actually got excited when I realized Jeff Samardzija was the starting pitcher. One beanie, three base layers and blanket later, I found my way to the Yard where I was confronted by another truth: Orange Fridays live up to their name and something else, an electric spirit in the house. I thought about the accolades Giants fans have gotten from objective outsiders for the past 10 years, but this crowd was super amped. I'd felt that energy before, and it wasn't during the NLDS or NLCS. It was in the hallways of school before Christmas break. 

Christmas break signifies the half way point of the school year. Everyone is ready for a little break and for the joy of the holiday. Though not a member of MLB, I wouldn't be surprised if insiders told me that sentiment is one they take into the All Star Break. The baseball season can be a grind. Players, coaches and staff play for six days in a row, sometimes more! They travel far and wide to places they want to be and others they do not. The majority of athletes, won't head to San Diego to participate in the Midsummer Classic, but for those that do, it's an honor: one that I was a witness to in a new way at that Friday game.

This year, the Giants have four players who will take the field tonight at PetCo Park. Buster Posey won the fan balloting to start at catcher for the third time. Both Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto will take the mound and for the first time in his career first baseman Brandon Belt will suit up for the game. He got to San Diego by way of the Final Vote ballot. Belt was in the running among four other players.

When the Giants announced that the Baby Giraffe made the cut, fans went nuts. Their voting via text and Twitter #votebelt paid off. He got a standing ovation when he came to bat. The Giants recorded a personal message from the Texan thanking fans for all of their support. His words sent this raucous crowd to their feet; fans were clapping and cheering. It was as if they said to one another: we did this. They did! We did!  And it wasn't a one time affair. When he returned to the plate, again fans gave it up for this All Star. I turned to my friend and said "this is remarkable. You can't tell me the All Star game doesn't mean anything."

The All Star Game matters to me because it reminds me that every season brings surprises, new gifts and new reasons to celebrate. It gives me pause to think about the narrative of a season that is well underway. It makes me miss baseball! and yet it shifts my eyes to those players we love and those who give more than their all. Every Midsummer Classic includes a lead up to it, something I may never have thought about before....not every visit to AT&T Park that make me say "wow," but this one did. I felt a spirit among both players and fans that made me smile. It got me to drop my blanket for but a few moments, and forget how cold it may or may have been outside. That energy was a warm one. Beanies off to the team that is #1 in the NL West. Thank you San Francisco, thank you summer, thank you MLB. Here's to the All Stars and the fans that confirm them. Play Ball!

Photo Credits
Logo
Baby Giraffe
#VoteBelt

The Chicken Runs at Midnight...Alleluia

Pope Francis wakes up every morning at 4:30 a.m. to pray for an hour and half. 90 minutes! He then presides over the holy sacrifice of the Mass, another way of prayer. No wonder the Holy Father is able to do what he does—walk along the peripheries, touch those in need, and extend mercy; he is rooted in a relationship with God. That anchor is prayer.

Throughout my adult life, I have read the daily readings everyday...and then strayed from them. Reading the Gospel is a powerful way to start my day. Why I commit to reading them is obvious to me. Your words Oh Lord as spirit and life. And why I let things go and break that habit? I'm not so sure.

My advice to anyone who wants to be more like Francis in his spiritual discipline, is to pick a form and way of prayer that "works." Maybe it's reading the daily devotionals like Living with Christ or This Day. For me, it has been reading and praying with Faith ND. Reading the Good News lives up to its name; it's a good, better and best experience—if there is such a thing. Yesterday's reading and reflection was one of them.

First, I love the 50 days of the Easter season, Eastertide. Christ dwells in these liminal places, between heaven and earth. He has yet to return to the Father (still not sure what that means) and yet we know he has been crucified, he died, was buried and rose from the dead. Alleluia! He appears and reappears. He continues to teach and sets hearts on fire. He is with his disciples but is seeking to relate to them in a new way.

When Joe Reis connected this Gospel reading to what he studied in psychology, I was hooked. AP Psychology is a very popular course for seniors at St. Ignatius where I teach. Anytime I have a chance to connect theology and psychology, I can and I will. Call me Ms Cross Curriculum, I believe these two subjects can compliment each other for a new level of understanding. But the connections didn't stop there; it prompted me to think of the Communion of Saints.

I believe in the Communion of Saints. I say it with conviction. I have written about it many times and love teaching what it means to my students. This was a new and welcome way to teach about this rich Catholic tradition.

So, yesterday was a good day. I prayed this Gospel reading  with my seniors, shared Joe's reflection. I gave the psych experts in my class a chance to speak about object permanence and then share with them my favorite example of the Communion of Saints. I can't believe I haven't written about it before. No time like the present.

As seen in the video "Champions of Faith" long time MLB baseball coach Rich Donnelly had strayed from his Catholic faith. He was embarrassed to go to Mass. His priorities were far from the Church. That is, until his 18 year old daughter Amy got a brain tumor.

Amy, his only daughter had a zest for life and a creative perspective on it. She once asked her father: What do you yell at your players when you are standing in the third base coach's box: The chicken runs at midnight, or what? Where she came up with that thought and why— the Donnellys did not know. But, it caught on. In fact, Amy once called her dad on the road and told the traveling secretary to write the following on a written phone message "The Chicken Runs at Midnight. Love, Amy."

Amy underwent chemo and radiation, but died of cancer. Her two brothers decided they would inprint one message on her tombstone. It said:

Donnelly stayed in MLB and away from his faith. When Amy died, I wonder if anyone had told him about the Communion of Saints. I hope they did. Here's why:

Jim Heft has written, "Catholics believe in the "communion of saints." Even though people die, we stay in touch with them and they with us. How is this possible? It is possible through Baptism by which we enter into the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even though Jesus died, he rose from the dead, remaining even more present than when he was on earth to all who believed in him. We live in Christ. Those who have died believing in Christ remain alive in him." 

In 1997, five years after Amy's death, Rich Donnelly had the good fortune of being in the World Series, coaching the Florida Marlins. In Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians, Craig Counsell led off the eleventh inning with a single. Counsell was known as "the Chicken" because he would flap his arms like one in his batting stance. He moved to third and when one of his teammates hit a single up the middle, he scored from third base to win the championship. Donnelly's two sons, were sitting in the stands. They hugged and greeted their father and one of them said with tears in his eyes, "Dad! Look at the clock!!!" Donnelly looked up to see the time, not knowing what he was talking about. Brian said "Dad the chicken ran at midnight."

That was a turning point for Rich Donnelly and his Catholic faith. He said that moment, which I believe is sacramental, reminded him to return to another way of being.

Any relationship rooted in love seeks to do good for another, even long after death. As object permanence suggests, "presence can continue even if something or someone is no longer observable through the senses." Rich Donnelly came to realize that returning to his faith not only brought him closer to God but to his daughter Amy, albeit in a new way. That is the Communion of saints. I have come understand it in my own life. I've also realized that prayer, the Gospel, daily readings and more help me pay attention to what the Saints and everyday saints want me to hear. I wouldn't mind it if "the chicken runs at midnight" was it...blessed be.

The full story of the Chicken Runs at Midnight can be found here

Photo Credits
Pope Francis prayer
Faith ND
Saints
Amy's tombstone

Spoils...No, Pizza to the Victors. Congratulations KC

My grandfather always said "there's no such thing as a free lunch." I understand what he meant by this metaphor and still, I have often thought otherwise.  I will allow a thoughtful gesture by my beloved San Francisco Giants to serve as my evidence that—well grandpa— sometimes, there is. And wow, do they taste good. 

Today, Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News wrote: 

The Giants front office sent 25 pizzas to Royals front office employees at Kauffman Stadium. It’s a tradition the Boston Red Sox started a year earlier, when they ordered pies and had them delivered to Giants employees at AT&T Park.“ 

We can’t take credit for this, but we’re happy to continue it,” Giants vice president Staci Slaughter said.

The story would have climbed to epic proportions of food lore had they sent San Francisco's best pizza, which I believe is Tony's pizza. But, I took comfort in reading "the Giants didn’t just call up the local Pizza Hut or Domino’s. They placed a call to Minsky’s Café and Bar and asked them to include a note with the order: 'Have fun planning the parade – and enjoy the ride!”

I shared this story with my students at the beginning of class today because it left me smiling. I said "So what does this story have to do with Esau and Jacob? well, nothing but this is what my grandfather once said...and it's funny to me just how much we love a free lunch. Pizza isn't that uncommon; it's not even a delicacy—but I know how sweet those pies tasted."

They thought so too. "it's the thought behind it that counts," said one sophomore. "Yeah, that someone would take the time and realize what the Royals did, and act upon in a special way, says a lot," said another.

I have coached three different sports now on the high school level. Everyone of them holds something in common: a love for food, and for talking about it. Food nourishes our bodies, it tastes great, it brings people together and it's meant to be enjoyed. No wonder Jesus gathered his disciples to share a meal and remember Him in that way.

Hopefully the Royals will continue this tradition and pay it forward to whoever wins the World Series in 2016. They should and hearing about something special they did at the conclusion of last year's Fall Classic,  I wouldn't be surprised if they did. 

Kansas City is known as the “City of Fountains” and is said to have more fountains than Rome. According to their Parks & Rec page, "the  unique water sculptures and statuary celebrate generations of Kansas Citians." Even if you didn't know this about a city actually located in Missouri, it makes sense. A waterfall hangs in the outfield of Kaufmann Stadium—home of the Royals.

After the Giants defeated the Royals in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, those fountains—a symbol of the city—ran orange, as a way to say congratulations. 

It's easy for the victors to share the spoils, it's different when you're on the losing end.

Perhaps that incredulous gesture is yet another reason the San Francisco Giants sent a free lunch to the Royals. I love the fact that they did

Photo Credits
Royals Staff
Note on Pizza Box

Kaufmann Runs Orange

Surprised by....The Mets

I have no personal connection to the New York Mets whatsoever. Nor do I have any emotional ties to New York City sports, to players on the team, nothing. I was looking forward to an open October. I thought I would have loads of free time in a way that I haven't (three times in the past six years). It's an odd year, so my beloved Giants are resting and getting healthy. They saved my pocket book from running on empty and my calendar from filling up. And then something happened....Tuesday night, to my total surprise, I found myself rooting, cheering and rising (and falling) with the New York City Mets. 

I never thought this would happen. Even though they are a National League team, and I'm an NL fan/NL girl, I wondered: Why do I care about this team? As an American Studies major, I find New York City fascinating, but with that same degree, I find equal, if not more weight in supporting a city amidst the heartland. One of my favorite athletes—Bo Jackson— got his start with  the Royals. I got to know much more about what makes them talented and exciting to watch from the 2014 World Series. The Giants emerged victorious in the seven-game dog fight. It's hard not to respect Ned Yost and his squad and yet, I find myself rooting not for the Royal blue...but the royal blue and orange. Here's why.

1. Bartolo Colon
Let's start with this bad boy. First, I support any active player/professional athlete who is older than me! At 42 years of age, Colon is allegedly the "most flexible" man on the team. Perhaps you caught sight of that in his remarkable defensive move earlier this season I should love him that much more for taking down my LA rival, but Colon is already admired for serving as a great mentor on the team. He has stated that he has no plans for retirement.

To look at Colon, you could easily add to the argument that baseball players aren't great athletes. But, your claim would be short sighted. Colon throws but one pitch—a fastball. And he does so remarkably well. I'm sorry he took the loss during Game 1. Those things happen.

2. Dark Knight
Who doesn't love a good nickname? Baseball is rife with them and the one assigned to former All-Star, starting pitcher Matt Harvey is a good one: Dark Knight. If you're a movie buff, you can probably put two and two together. "The Dark Knight Rises" was released in 2012. One year later, in his All-Star season, Harvey earned that moniker.

Fred Owens writes,

On May 7, 2013 in a game against the White Sox Harvey pitched with a severe nosebleed but retired the first 20 hitters before Alex Rios managed an infield single. That night he pitched  nine innings giving up one hit before leaving the game. 

The next issue of Sports Illustrated (May 20) featured Harvey on the cover with the headline "The Dark Knight of Gotham."  Harvey said that it fit his latest Halloween persona and was honored by the SI article according to to his tweet.

You may have seen fans at Kaufmann wearing an orange Bat Man mask to support the starting pitcher of Game 1. As mentioned before, I love good sports fan. Great pick-up Mets fans.

3. Man Crush
A friend recently admitted that he has a man crush on Dave Wright. I immediately responded "I get that." In fact, I support it. When I went to a game at Citi-Field, I was blown away by the number of fans wearing #5 Wright. The 32-year old third baseman has played his entire 11-year career with the Mets. Bottom line: any Phillies fan who can admit his feelings for a rival team's hot corner? That's worth supporting...

4. Mr. Met
Speaking of man crush, honestly is there a cuter mascot in all of baseball? Granted my nieces love Screech, the bald eagle that serves as the Washington Nationals' mascot and Baby Screech even more, but it's worth noting that Mr. Met is not single. In fact, according to Wikipedia,

In the 1960s, Mr. Met occasionally appeared in print with a female companion, Mrs. Met (originally called "Lady Met"), and less frequently with a group of three "little Mets" children; the smallest was a baby in Lady Met's arms. Mrs. Met was debuted in a short lived live costumed form in 1975 before being reintroduced in 2013

Mr. Met appears on ESPN Sportscenter commercials and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In fact, on April 30, 2012, Forbes Magazine listed Mr. Met as the #1 mascot in all of sports. Props to the baseball head.

5. Daniel Murphy
Seems like most covers of Sports Illustrated today are regional ones—but not this week's. Look in your bodega or grocery store and you'll see the Mets outfielder turned infielder Daniel Murphy gracing the cover.

It should go without saying that I appreciate any athletes who takes it to the Dodgers. And Murphy did. So much that when he was asked about how he beat Greinke, he credits his calm and peace of mind to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It may have sounded strange, but if you know anything about Daniel Murphy, it's authentic. I enjoy seeing what SI reports as "a very normal looking guy" do extraordinarily well.

6. Team Colors
Lastly, I love a good story behind a logo, team name, the number an athlete wears, etc.
In "What's In A Name? What's the Story Behind the Symbol?" I address why I never look at the Mets in quite the same way once I knew a little more about their history. Great call in keeping the orange (Go Giants) and although it won't this year—long live  "the curse of royal blue"

C.S. Lewis' semi-autobiographical novel "Surprised by Joy" sought to to identify and describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of and consequent search for the phenomenon he labeled "Joy." We find joy in everyday people and in everyday things. I happen to find it in a game. That game is baseball. And for the World Series 2015, it's in cheering for an unsuspecting team from an unlikely city. Go Mets.

Photo Credits
Mr. Met
Mets Logo
Matt Harvey

What MLB is Wearing Around its Neck

It bothers me just how close to Halloween the World Series falls these days. Something doesn't feel right about baseball games in November. Two years later, I still remember thinking to myself when I walked into Giordano Brothers—a popular sandwich shop San Francisco that offers the Pittsburgh delicacies found at Primanti Brothers—Is tonight Halloween? The waiters were dressed from head to toe exactly as the Pirates on the television were: ball cap, jersey, stirrups, cleats—yes cleats—and the crown jewel: eye black. I thought to myself—I love sports fans. Some of them stop at nothing, including the lead waiter who went so far as to wear a gold and black "Tornado Necklace." You've seen these—the braided chain that comes in multiple colors that many athletes wear. If you are like me, you might wonder why do athletes wear them? During Game 1 of the 2015 World Series, I thought what other "necklaces" that ballplayers wear. So, with this blog posting, I'd like to offer a thought on what you see....

The Tornado Necklace
We know that athletes are continually looking for a physical edge—they want to get stronger, fitter, faster, jump higher, etc. But, the most competitive ones also seek a mental edge. I suppose that is what this jewelry, also known as "energy" or "titanium" necklaces have to  offer.

Power Energy Sports writes

Germanium, Titanium, and Anions (negative ions) - three very powerful chemical elements, are being blended together into the necklace fabric to help relieve stress and fatigue by improving blood flow & circulation.  

Many professional athletes are finding positive results in enhancing their sports performance while wearing these necklaces. Perfect for all types of sport: Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Martial Arts, Gym, Golf, Basketball, Fishing, Hiking, Hockey etc. We are the largest & most reputable tornado baseball necklace retailer offering you over 150 color combinations to choose from.

Wow, even in his solo shot Jonathon Niese
wears his tornado necklace

Like many material goods, these necklaces have morphed beyond three colors. They are linked to specific causes—breast cancer or prostate cancer awareness and others offer inspirational messages such as "hope" or "stay strong." I have a feeling that a lot of young athletes wear them because their favorite ones do. And I'm not convinced that they offer all they claim to provide, but the concept (or at least the marketing) is interesting. The placebo effect, mental edge, stylish splash—all reasons point to the fact that sports psychology never runs on empty.

The Rosary
I would love to think I am the type of athlete who could be a closer. This ballplayer comes into the game to complete a very specific task; the weight of the world is on him (0r her) and they like it that way! They are skilled, strong and mentally tough. Truth be told, I would totally crumble under the pressure, so I probably would wear not only a tornado necklace but what Jeurys Familia, relief pitched for the New York Mets had under his jersey—a rosary. 

But as many Catholics want to know: should we wear a Rosary as a necklace? I did some research on the topic and here's my answer.

I write for Cora Evans, a blog on the life of a woman who is now considered a "servant of God." The purpose of the blog is to draw attention to the holy, loving and heroically selfless life of a woman we hope will be canonized in the near future. The blog brings readers to pray to and for this witness of Christ's love and to think about issues that many Catholics confront. One of them is the wearing of the Rosary around ones' neck. Here is an excerpt from what I wrote: 

Even at a young age, I understood that the Rosary is to be prayed and not worn. Why is that? 

Ginny Kibityz Moyer captures an answer quite well. She says, “The rosary isn’t jewelry; it’s a sacramental, which is an object meant to help bring about spiritual effects through the prayer or devotion it inspires. (Sacramentals don’t have any sort of magic power in and of themselves; the positive graces come through the prayers.) Many people argue that if you wear a rosary around your neck, you are treating it more like a fashion accessory than a sacramental and are thus distorting its intended purpose.” 

Ultimately, only the one who wears the Rosary can speak to why he or she is wearing it, but I think it’s important to understand—although a distinction: between jewelry and sacramental, it is an important one. Rosaries are never mere jewelry or “fashion accessories” and yet, I can understand how there might be some confusion and/or need for clarification. 

For example, when I went to purchase a gift for my God daughter’s First Holy Communion, one gift I considered was a Rosary ring or bracelet. Both include ten beads; they can help people count the decade of the Rosary as they pray. As one who often “prays on the go” both pieces of jewelry (which they are) can serve as helpful prayer resources. 

Again Kubitz Moyer adds some insight. She writes, “The only official Church document I could find that addressed this, even obliquely, was the Code of Canon Law, which says, “Sacred objects, which are designated for divine worship by dedication or blessing, are to be treated reverently and are not to be employed for profane or inappropriate use even if they are owned by private persons.” (1171) So it seems that it all depends on the intent of the wearer. If you’re wearing it as a way to deepen your prayer life, there shouldn’t be any problem with that.”

Catholicism, in its “both/and” approach allows us to find the sacred in everyday things. And yet, that outlook doesn’t mean to compromise what is in fact sacred. This may be a tension for some, but ultimately, I see it as an invitation to probe deeper into the mystery of God…to love the Incarnation…to connect with Our Lady and pray as you go—Rosary in hand or around my heart. 

You can see the rosary in this photo

I cannot speak to why Familia wore his Rosary, nor do I want to. But seeing this sacramental reminded me that athletes, especially those playing the World Series stand on a remarkable platform whereby they can evangelize and give witness to a life of faith. Daniel Murphy, Familia's teammate is an outstanding example; he has certainly been what he set out to be: a light for others.

I don't wear a cross around my neck, but I have often commented that I should. I hope that what it stands for is evidenced in how I live my life, whether or not I wear it. But wearing it could serve as the reminder that I need....

Photo Credits
McCutchen necklace
Jonathon Niese
Familia Rosary