Though the Washington Nationals won their game against the New
York Mets Aug. 26, several players gathered after the game to talk about
another kind of winning — through their faith. It was part of the seventh
annual Faith Day event at Nationals Park in Washington.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who heads the Washington-based Archdiocese
for the Military Services, threw out the game’s first pitch.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rosetti, professor of pastoral theology at The Catholic
University of America in Washington and Catholic chaplain for the Nationals,
said he is encouraged by the number of faithful on the team. “You really
see the Lord touch their lives,” he said. “They are examples to the
young people.”
Faith Day is a Christian event marked by testimonies from players,
and choirs performing praise and worship music with an occasional “Amen”
shouted from the crowd.
A portion of the ticket price benefited the House DC, an
Anacostia-based nonprofit that supports inner-city youths.
“It was a great event, and anytime Jesus is lifted high, it’s awesome,”
said Angela Mederos who attends Summit Church in Springfield.
Constance Tucholski, a teen from Falls Church who attends McLean
Bible Church in Vienna, said, “It’s so cool to see adults and these ‘famous’
people in real life showing their love of Jesus.”
As several players shared their faith story, a reoccurring theme emerged.
They each had achieved their dreams of playing major league baseball, making
large sums of money and being famous, but they said those achievements felt
empty without Christ.
Daniel Murphy, Nationals second baseman, said there is no peace,
hope or joy in the midst of fame without faith.
The announcer and MASN sportscaster, Bob Carpenter, asked Anthony
Rendon, Nationals third baseman, about always having a smile on his face.
“Our successes or failures (on the field) shouldn’t depict our
attitude outside the stadium,” said Rendon.
Stacy Rausch, production coordinator, contributed to this article.
