Saint Rita of Cascia, the patron saint of impossible causes, is also an unofficial patron saint of baseball. Her intercession and protection have been sought after by baseball players and fans alike for over a century.
The legend of Saint Rita's association with baseball dates back to the early 20th century, when a group of Italian immigrants were playing a game in her honor. They prayed for her intercession and help on the field, and to their surprise, their prayers were answered, and they won the game in a miraculous victory. This event led to Saint Rita becoming known as the patron saint of baseball among Italian-American communities.
Today, many baseball players, teams, and organizations continue to seek Saint Rita's intercession and protection on the field. The Miracle League of San Diego, which provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball, holds an annual "Rally for Rita" event to honor Saint Rita's legacy as the patron saint of baseball.
But what specific miracles are attributed to Saint Rita in the world of baseball? One notable example is the case of baseball player Rusty Staub, who suffered a heart attack during a game in 1979. He was saved by the quick actions of a team physician, who happened to be wearing a Saint Rita medal at the time. Staub later credited Saint Rita's intercession with his survival.
Another example is the case of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, who were struggling with injuries and setbacks during the World Series. The team turned to Saint Rita for help and guidance, and they went on to win the championship in a miraculous victory. Many players on the team credited Saint Rita's intercession with their success.
But Saint Rita's patronage of baseball is not just about winning games or seeking physical healing. It is also a reminder of the role of faith and spirituality in the sport. Many baseball players have credited their success on the field to their faith and their reliance on God. Saint Rita's intercession and protection can help baseball players and fans alike to cultivate a deeper sense of faith and spirituality in their lives.
Saint Rita of Cascia may be an unofficial patron saint of baseball, but her intercession and protection on the field are no less powerful than her patronage of impossible causes and difficult marriages. By seeking her intercession and guidance, we can experience the specific miracles attributed to Saint Rita in the world of baseball and cultivate a deeper sense of faith and spirituality in our lives.
For more information regarding Saint Rita, you can visit the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine. A place of pilgrimage for those seeking Saint Rita's intercession and protection. You can learn more about the shrine and plan a visit at their website, https://www.saintritashrine.org. Or visit the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia.