baseball

Father Kevin Anderson sang and signed (ASL) the national anthem before a Twins game. He was the first person ever to do both.

“Baseball is indeed the fulcrum on which the narrative is balanced — and the game’s storylines are essential to the tale — but this is only because the novel is actually about sacrifice — about a series of sacrifices that various characters make in order to advance the good of others.”

In the spotlight: Pope Francis addresses euthanasia, funeral for minor league pitcher, Peruvian mummies

The book’s core is formed by chapters outlining how baseball, football, hockey and basketball have influenced national life and culture in the U.S. and Canada, and vice versa.

In 2016, he received the Gabriel Personal Achievement Award from the Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals.

The online exhibit sponsored by the Knights of Columbus shows some of the many connections between the Catholic fraternal organization and the national pastime.

“Often we picture God like an umpire: crouching down whenever we step up to the plate, waiting to call strikes and outs, watching for the least infraction. But ours is a God of justice and mercy. Not simply the judge with the rulebook and the last word, but also love incarnate.”

A new film, “Soul of a Champion: The Gil Hodges Story,” made its debut Nov. 8, mere weeks before the Hall of Fame’s “Golden Days Era” committee considers the on- and off-field attributes of Hodges and a fistful of other players from the post-World War II years.