Pitching Pastors
With all of the duties associated with being a pastor, you might think finding time for a bit of friendly competition would be difficult.
But a few local pastors are managing to do it — thanks to the Butler Interfaith Fellowship Church Softball League.
The 16-team coed league has been around for more than 60 years and plays its games at the Lutherlyn Rustic Retreat softball fields near Prospect.
"There were a number of people within our church a couple of years ago who were interested in starting a team," said the Rev. Tom Pierotti, senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Center Township.
"I wanted to support them and figured the best way to do that would be to go out and play."
Pierotti considers himself a utility player.
"I've played first base, second base and I've also pitched. I play wherever the coach puts me," he said.
For the love of the game
Many p.who plays the outfield for his team.
"My two brothers were involved in sports and I played baseball, basketball and golf. You could say that it was inbred in me.
"When I came to (Community Alliance) three years ago, the church was already a member of the softball league and I decided to join," he added.
"I had competed in three similar leagues before coming here. I consider myself to be a competitive person, no doubt. It was just part of my upbringing."
Pierotti, 58, may not have been as involved in sports growing up in Erie County, but he later discovered they can lead to opportunity.
"I played pickup games here and there as a kid," he said. "I became more involved as an adult because I found that I could form good friendships by becoming involved in sports.
"I became a marathon runner, though I haven't done it in awhile," Pierotti added.
"But at one time I was a member of several running clubs. Being involved with that became important to me."
Being successful in the league doesn't necessarily require winning.
"Our team is now 0-13," said the Rev. Dave Maitland, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Butler and a member of one of the church's two teams.
"If we did win the league, all we'd get is a plastic trophy," he added, laughing. "But we play as hard as we can and are having a great time."
No profanity, pleaseThe league has a set of rules covering everything from its structure to game equipment.Conduct on the field is also addressed.Any player heard using a swear word or intentionally throwing a bat may be ejected from the game."There have been players who have been thrown out of a game for using profanity," said league president Tim Malis. "But I wouldn't say it is a problem within our league."Of course, pastors can be counted on to keep their cool.They may become frustrated for not getting a hit in a key juncture of the game, but are able to keep things in perspective."Mistakes are part of the game," said Harris. "I've played sports long enough to know how to handle myself in situations like that."You feel bad if you can't come through for the team," he added. "And it's always easier if it's somebody else blowing the ground ball. But a loss is not earth-shattering. You get up the next day and get on with what you've got to do."Another rule states that each team is allotted a maximum of six players who aren't actual members of the respective church.For some teams, like Trinity Lutheran, it's a nonfactor because all of its players belong to the church.But that's not the case for most of the teams."Not all of our players are actual members of our church," said Maitland, 54. "But just about all of them do come to our services."And if somebody comes to our church and is not comfortable here, I'll try to help them find a church that's right for them. I'm not after numbers and I don't want to pressure people."To play or not to playEvery team in the league plays 21 regular-season games.But understandably, it's difficult for the pastors to show up for all of them."I'm able to take part in about two-thirds of our games," said Pierotti. "And I look forward to it very much."Harris has not seen the field as much this season."I have to miss games on a regular basis because of things like meetings and council sessions," he said."Plus, my kids are all involved in youth sports and that takes precedent. I've only played in one or two games this season.""Every once in awhile, something comes up on the spur of the moment and I'm not able to make a game," said Maitland.The league recognizes the important duties of pastors.A rule states that players must participate in at least half of their team's games to be eligible for the playoffs."We have waived that rule for pastors," said Roger Rettig, a league consultant and member of the team from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Butler."We know its sometimes difficult for them to show up and we aren't going to require them to make 10 games."But for pastors who are able to find the time to compete, it's an opportunity they should take advantage of, according to Pierotti."It's a great thing to do," he said. "The most important aspect of it for me is that it gives the members of our congregation a chance to get to know each other better."And seeing each other on the softball field, it allows a pastor and the parishioners to see each other in a different forum."With the league three times as old as some of its players, there's something that keeps teams coming back."Every year this league becomes more fellowship-minded," said Rettig. "If a great play is made, you're cheering for that player whether he's on your team or not.""A lot of grown men and women still like sports," said Maitland. "And, with this being a slow-pitch league, it's a great vehicle for fellowship. It's all about the fellowship.""We may have only one win, but we have a lot of fans who come to support us and that's important, too," Pierotti said."We have fun. ... We always do."
