Items of Interest May 30, 2011 Issue

Ballplayers hitting it right with Sunday chapel

Kevin Baxter

For most [players], whether they’re journeymen or perennial All-Stars, Baseball Chapel services are an important segment of their week. “It helps me spiritually,” said Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, who says he has missed Sunday services twice in 18 professional seasons. “You have a whole different perspective on life. You think about baseball and you’re like, ‘I’m just going to have fun today.’ Sunday games might be my better games.”

Actually, Hunter entered the season a .251 hitter on Sundays, 24 points below his career average. No matter. Baseball’s volunteer chaplains say their measure for success goes beyond statistics.

“I guess we really define success as giving your best with the ability God’s given you, not necessarily getting a hit or striking out a batter,” said Vince Nauss, 52, a former Philadelphia Phillies executive who has been president of the nondenominational Baseball Chapel for the last 16 seasons. One thing chaplains don’t pray for is victory, said Nauss, who doubts God really cares whether the Padres or even the Angels pick up a game in the standings.

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