Fr. Mark McKercher

Priest, Archdiocese of Omaha (Thee/Thou)

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@PeteRose_14 Great to see you were at the game tonight! What do you think of the Reds' chances this year? #PeteRoseHOF

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@KDDelaney @JonahDispatch Beat me to it. . . .

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules I don't know. . .it just seems like asking you to forego the bathroom so the Reds could win would be a pretty big ask.

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@livv518 We lost the first game to the Yankees, and that series turned out all right. May this one go the same way.

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules I suspect you're not alone. . . .

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@tony_chapman76 @coach_jb1 @EVFalcons @coachdittmer Yes, they do!

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules Apparently, just what the Reds needed!

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@SaraElyse128 I like the way you're thinking.

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules Better try different food next game. 😉

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules As long as you encourage the Reds. . . .

[Clint Hurdle @ClintHurdle13]

I kept this story in my pocket for a long time....

In Pittsburgh, September 15th is Roberto Clemente Day.

Every year the whole organization fans out across the city. It's like Christmas. Roberto's family is there, Vera and the boys.

My first year as manager was 2011. We celebrated. We shook hands and moved on.
We didn't win.

19 consecutive losing seasons.

2012 rolls around. Same day, same celebration. We had another losing season, our 20th consecutive.

After the ceremony, Roberto Jr. walked over.

"My mom wants to talk to you."

We went into the dugout. Me, Vera, and her three sons.

She spoke in Spanish. I played four years of winter ball so I understood enough. She wasn't angry, but she was passionate. And I kept hearing Roberto's number come up.

Roberto Jr. translated.

"My mother wants you to know that there cannot be a 21st losing season. That was Roberto's number. It would be a disgrace to his legacy."

She was staring right at me.

Before I could even think about what to say, words came out of my mouth:
"I promise you, Vera. That won't happen."

Roberto Jr. looked at me and said, "You made my mom a promise. I hope you can keep it."

I said, "I hope I can keep it too."

I didn't tell my coaches. I didn't tell the players. I told my wife. That was it.

The next year, 2013, we broke the consecutive seasons losing streak. Ended it at 20.

On Roberto Clemente Day that September, Vera came walking across that field.

And I probably got one of the most meaningful hugs I've ever received in my life.

The players did all the heavy lifting. I just got the hug.

Some promises are worth making before you know if you can keep them.

@Pirates

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@ClintHurdle13 Beautiful story

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@vapelawguy @notsocooljules Are you saying Jesus Christ can't hit a curve ball?

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@livv518 If I am, nobody wake me up!

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules I approve.

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@SaraElyse128 From your lips to God's ears, apparently. 🧹🧹🧹

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@SaraElyse128 Does it really need an explanation? 😆

[New York Mets @Mets]

LIVE: Carlos Mendoza speaks to the media live from #Mets Spring Training in Port St. Lucie. https://t.co/NHH1dDf0Qi

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@notsocooljules The thing that I always find amusing is that I don't put ketchup on my hot dogs, but literally no one in the pro-ketchup crowd has ever criticized me for it. Somehow, that doesn't work both ways. 😉

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@nut_history

[Fr. Mark McKercher @Frkerch]

@JonahDispatch Prayers for all of you