CLEVELAND (RNS) — Major League Baseball’s opening day schedule has thrown Catholic fans a curveball this year.
Seven teams are hosting their home opener on April 10 — Good Friday, when faithful Catholics abstain from meat. That means no ballpark hot dogs.
And fans shouldn’t expect any special dispensation from any bishop. “It is considered the most solemn day on the church calendar,” said Cleveland Catholic Diocese spokesman Bob Tayek, who also works as the announcer at Progressive Field. He’ll attend Good Friday services at noon, then head to the ballpark for the 4 p.m. Cleveland Indians game.
That doesn’t interfere with the noon to 3 p.m. window, which Catholics observe as the time Jesus Christ hung on the cross.