The RITE Stuff

In many ways clergy fill the role of the keepers and leaders of rituals and rites. Of course we do this in worship settings and as faith leaders. Performing the ritual of baptism and communion are some of my most favorite moments as clergy.

As we know, here in our fair city of Pittsburgh sports are a religion in terms of the gathering of the community; sharing a common language; statues; relics; holy places; saints and sinners; hope and belief.

Last weekend I traveled to Cincinnati to attend the first two games of the series and guarantee Pittsburgh would host a playoff game. Tapping into my decades-long practice of creating and performing rituals and rites, I took a 20 ounce empty bottle (20 for the 20 losing seasons) and went to gather Allegheny River water at the location nearest the Roberto Clemente statue near PNC Park. Having gathered the water, I took the filled bottle to the Clemente statue and tapped it on his feet --- that we would be fast; on his bat --- that we would hit; on his hand --- that we would catch and throw well; and on his #21 --- that we would play with passion and heart. Once I arrived at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, I circled the stadium sprinkling Allegheny River water and claiming the space for Pittsburgh. I made it a point to share what I was doing with the Pittsburgh fans that were there. They loved it! In fact, persons asked me to sprinkle water on their hands so they could assist the effort.

Do I actually think my sprinkling of Allegheny River water had anything to do with the outcome of that series? No. Yet, it connected me to the other Pirates fans who were there, brought a lot of smiles, and made me feel as if I was doing something to help my beloved Buccos! Did I mention it was fun?

A part of us believes that if we wear the shirt we wore when the team won that they will win again. Or, if we eat the same food we had when the won the big game they will do so again. Recent case in point, ever since the 40-foot rubber duck docked along our shores near the Point the Pirates had won --- sweeping the series against Cincinnati last weekend to earn home field advantage and winning the wild card playoff game Tuesday night. Persons contacted in huge numbers the local powers responsible for keeping the duck moored in Pittsburgh and told them the duck must stay in our city throughout the Pirates playoffs run. I confess that prior to hearing the news that, indeed, the duck will be staying throughout, I was gathering a group of volunteers to prepare a covert operation to harness the duck and keep him anchored in our fair city.

Truth be told, I have been thinking about this particular post for awhile, yet decided not to post it while the Pirates were winning. Alas, after today's thumping, I can post...sigh....

Sports connects us and unites us. That's a good thing. The energy in the city over the Pirates is a delight! Enjoy this! Have fun!

After today's loss, we need to adjust the duck. Does anyone want to help me place a giant, inflated, Pirates cap upon his head? Or, help me build and inflate a giant Ernie decked-out in black and gold?

sj;