Last night we went with about 50 other members of my congregation to a ball game here in my home town. The Twins (underdog small team) were playing the Oakland Athletics. And WE WON! 13 -2. My husband is a baseball fan from when he was 10 years old and he was at the airport to greet the players when they moved here from Washington (The Washington Senators became the Minnesota Twins.)
However, we don't go to very many baseball games. We just don't.
Why were we there last night?
It was "Lutheran Night at the Twins." Lots of churches brought busloads of Lutherans.
And I'm just wondering: do any other teams have "Lutheran Night" or "Catholic Night" or "Presbyterian Night"?
It does seem odd.
11 comments:
In Philadelphia we had Lutheran Night at the Phillies each year. They still do . . . but I moved away.
A few years ago I was a Lutheran Night at the Twins in Minneapolis. Of course, every night at the Metrodome is Lutheran night, considering the local demographics. But I was there with a large group from Augsburg Fortress. Sales reps from around the country were in town for a semi-annual conference. Because it was Lutheran Night, one person from each group was invited to join a mass chorus to sing the national anthem. Within the company, people were invited to submit their name for a drawing to sing in the chorus . . . and I was the only one to submit my name! It was loads of fun. And the Twins won!
I'm glad I got to see a few games at the Metrodome during my time with Augsburg Fortress, but I won't miss the place. Baseball is meant to be played outdoors . . .
I don't know about baseball, but in Chicago the Bulls had Episcopal night...and I have no idea what goes on here in AZ...
sounds like fun! I do enjoy going to a game now and then, especially when my team wins...now I can go to Diamondback v's Cubs games and be happy no matter who wins! (Ok, probably, really, my heart would still be with cubbies).
I've never heard of a denominational night, but I am an old Senators fan! I remember going to see them play with my dad. Good times!
It sounds very Minnesota to me. (I'm basing that on Garrison Keillor, though.)
Glad your team won.
I have not heard of denominational night, but hey why not?!
Sounds like fun Diane!
In Houston the Astros have Episcopal Night. very lame if you ask me.
The Senators were long gone from DC by the time I got there. I dutifully became a Redskins fan instead. I still wish DC would get a baseball team though.
When it is Lutheran Night does it mean that Presbyterians can't go to the game??? :)
Anyway, GO TWINS!!!!!
see, Barb, that's what I don't know.....
I've gone to a Lutheran day game at the Metrodome. I think it was sponsored by Lutheran Brotherhood, a predecessor of Thrivent. There was even a bus to take us there, over 200 miles. We had to pay, but the price was very reasonable, so it must have been either subsidized or discounted for a group.
I've noticed that the TV announcers will often say that such and such an upcoming game is sponsored by by ____business or the give-a-ways are sponsored by ____ business, so maybe these "denominational games" are just an advertising/community service event for some groups. Certainly the Lutheran insurance companies have been traditionally focused on community and organizing.
Do other denomination have such organizations? I think the Catholics do.???
We enjoyed having everything planned and not having to drive a car so far, given the distance. I think it is a win-win for the team, the company and the fans.
Hi Diane, Nice blog, I'll be a regular to be sure. I think my new Episcopal Church has a baseball game night. But here in Iowa we have no major league team so we have to do the A ball thingie. I'm not a baseball fan much (football) for me. Oh I shouldn't say that, Hubby is a huge huge GB fan. He detests the Minn vikings I'm afraid. men...lol.
sounds admirable to me!
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