MERRILLVILLE – A tradition was inaugurated as the “Collars versus Scholars” - diocesan priests and seminarians took to the field for a spirited softball game at Andrean High School.
Under the warm evening sun on July 12, a full complement of seminarians and a half dozen priests and various substitutes were ready to “Play ball!” After leading a prayer asking God to ensure the safety and fun of all those present at the home of the 59ers, Bishop Robert J. McClory threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
From the regulation softball distance, the ball was tossed on the mark and the crowd cheered. The bishop donned his gifted Diocese of Gary baseball jersey “McClory 05”, and interacted with players and fans, remaining an impartial judge to the contest.
Fans filled the stands stretching along the first and third baselines which were colored with apparel from local schools, as well as Cubs and White Sox gear. The smell of roasted hotdogs and popcorn wafted through the crowd of more than 200.
Ruth Bonacci-Klaeser of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso was curious to see how her neighborhood priests would fare. “I knew that Father Jacob (McDaniel, chaplain) and Father Chris (Stanish, vicar general and moderator of the curia) were going to be here and it sounded like it would be a super fun event,” she said.
Collars versus Scholars, Padres versus Discerners, audience members cheered the unique match-up using various nicknames, but a game by any other name is still a game. And the priests brought their A game.
Though the Collars were a team of fewer than the regulation nine, the fact that they batted around and more in the first inning to put up seven runs was a testimony to the sluggers’ swings and poise in their game. Driving in runs with hard-hit balls that often landed near tentative (but striving) fielders left the Scholars in a hole.
Father Nate “The Great” Edquist led off the hit parade of RBI singles, but tweaked a hamstring early, necessitating a pinch runner each time he got on base.
In the first inning, the Discerners were not able to drive in a run after being pitched to by the same Serra Club volunteer, Robert Lucus, that hurled to the Collars. Seven to zero was the score after the first inning.
Eventually, the Scholars encouraged each other with a “Don’t Stop Believin’” spirit, pulled up their socks and started to make plays. Sure-handed fielders such as Gianni Ditola patrolled the outfield, snagging fly outs to dampen the priests’ offensive push.
Scholars captain Ryan Pierce, who had entertained college baseball possibilities, barked suggestions from the outfield for his teammates to anticipate certain plays.
Seminarian Leo Marcotte notched an RBI single in the second inning and the seminarians added runs in fourth to tighten the lead to 12-4.
“You’ve got it, brother!” “Go go!” and “Only eight runs to tie!” rang out from the seminarians squad.
The Scholars, fast students of the game, notched a couple more runs in the sixth and last inning.
“It was a blessing to see the Scholars trying even if they were going over some bumps,” said Sister Jadwiga Szczechowicz, accompanied by fellow Albertine nun Sister Zola Pickett, who shook pom poms she brought with her.
“I respect that they didn’t give up,” said Sister Pickett, though she acknowledged she was rooting for the priests.
The victorious ordained were able to sing “Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye” to the priestly hopefuls by the end of the sixth inning.
Recently joining the pool of Gary seminarians, Roy Graf of Rolling Prairie was ready for some softball. He relied on the skills he gained as a little leaguer and received vocal support from his family in the stands.
Roy’s dad, Phil Graf, said the event was a great way to strengthen connections with folks on the other side of the diocese. “He’s known a lot of the other seminarians through the Totus Tuus program. I think he’s looked up to a lot of them. I think he does feel like part of the team.”
Sponsored by the office of vocations, the public softball game was boosted by volunteers from the local Serra Club, which supports priestly vocations, and several Knights of Columbus. The volunteers spoke about vocations and made snacks and refreshments available.
Nathan Laird, Andrean’s assistant athletic director, made announcements from the press box and was joined by 59ers assistant baseball coach and theology teacher Jason Novak, who coached and caught during the contest and helped Laird drag the field in preparation for and clean-up of the event.
Coy about the athletic preparations for the match, Father Edquist, Collars manager, pastor of Holy Family Parish in LaPorte and vocations director, said there was on-field practice among the Discerners – more organized than the priests, who ironically doubled them up in runs. “We prayed to have fun, first and foremost, and we prayed to win secondarily,” he said about their victory.
Some fans speculated about the lopsided result, mentioning that the Collars were represented by some of the youngest priests serving in the diocese. Others suggested the seminarians are from a generation raised behind computer screens and smartphones.
But perhaps the old adage “practice makes perfect,” is the explanation for some of the ordained men’s superior performances. At the Munster home of the Caraher family, Father Steven honed his hitting and fielding skills with his dad PJ, like he did as a youth.
“We did a ‘Rocky’ training montage,” said Father Caraher. “I got a (two-run) homer and batted .500 today.”
Regarding the new tradition, Bishop McClory not only answered the question, “So, priests and seminarians are allowed to have fun?” with a definitive, “Yes,” but also said that the enjoyment is better shared. “It’s just a lot of fun. It’s the first one, and a lot of people came here.”
“The camaraderie is great,” said Bishop McClory. “This is nice because families can come here and take the opportunity to relax and celebrate vocations.”
Caption: Father Christopher Stanish, vicar general and moderator of the curia, slides into third base ahead of the tag by Seminarian Ryan Pierce as fellow discerner Nicholas Emsing (left) and Deacon Alexander Kouris (right) look on during the inaugural Collars versus Scholars softball game at Andrean High School's baseball field in Merrillville on July 12. The softball contest between diocesan priests and seminarians, where the Collars prevailed over the Scholars 12-6, was a public event sponsored by the diocesan vocations office to promote fun and fellowship among the ordained, discerners and the public. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)