THE DOUBLEDAY CODE

   I grew up in the small, northeast Pennsylvania town of West Wyoming. Two events converged in May of 1963 that provided the seeds for this book.       

   As an 8-year-old, big for my age, I played in my first Little League game. I was sent to the mound to pitch against players as old as twelve. After a wild first inning, I continued to struggle, walking the first batter in the second. Then I hit Joe Ostrowski Jr. in the back with my best fastball. (Joe Ostrowski! The Little Leaguer’s father, Joe Ostrowski Sr. was West Wyoming’s pride, having pitched for the New York Yankees.)

   After yet another walk, our manager dispatched me to left field. The next batter hit a single down the left field line. I charged, fielded the ball, and fired to home. Wouldn’t you know it? As he rounded third, I hit Joe Ostrowski Jr. square in the back again!  Still, this unpromising beginning, after a more successful outings, led to my lifetime love of the game, while my first Little League story became part of family lore.

   That same month I also received my first Holy Communion.  In that moment I felt a “special” call from Our Blessed Lord. Years later, this calling spurred me to teach high school CCD for over a decade, then serve as an RCIA instructor, and finally offer talks to Catholic men’s groups. It was for one such talk in 1999 that I combined my two loves into a presentation entitled, “Baseball and Baptism.” From there the talk grew and grew culminating in requests for a written version. Thus, The Doubleday Code is the compilation of these Catholic baseball meditations.

  It is my hope that the reader’s passionate love of baseball may enkindle an even more passionate love for Jesus Christ and the Holy Catholic Church; an overwhelming desire to become a Catholic Major Leaguer.   So, obtain a copy and explore the simplicity and complexity of this wonderful game from an other-worldly perspective. The goal is to appreciate not only the passing joys of earthly baseball seasons but even more to embrace the eternal truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith. Let the natural lead to the supernatural. Let all our desires and enthusiasm lead to a career ending in the eternal Hall of Fame— HEAVEN.