Papa Benedetto Takes Up Baseball, Will Play Centerfield

Not really, but it looks like that is where he will be saying Mass when he is in DC during his visit this coming April. Past Papal visits have seen the altar positioned at 2nd base when Masses were said at Yankee Stadium. But when looking at the design of the new Nationals Park they found a better location. According to an article in the Washington Post (Security to Lower Pope's Profile on D.C. Visit) by putting the altar in deep centerfield rather than the usual 2nd base would allow for 4000 more seats. This will allow for 45,000 people to attend the Papal Mass.

& while "Shoes of the Fisherman" Joe (couldn't resist the pun) probably won't be shagging any fly balls, I suspect Papa Benedetto will definitely hit a home run with his homily.

As a salute to Papa Benedetto's new role as 1 of the "Boys of Summer" here is a John Fogerty classic:

PS For those of you who have season tickets to the Nationals games, this event is NOT included.