At the new Yankee Stadium, they still play the Sinatra song, “New York, New York”, with the chorus “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” But, so often superstars from around the country have flopped on the New York stage, unable to handle the spotlight, the media, the pressure, etc.
With that in mind, I watched New York’s new Archbishop arrive for Opening Day at the new ball yard in the Bronx. Just the day before, he wowed a “sell-out” crowd at St. Patrick’s, his thousand-watt smile and giant personality filling the Cathedral that seats three thousand, but then overflowing out onto New York’s streets. I asked him what it felt like to be Archbishop. With his characteristic grin he said, “The seat is really comfortable!”
There have been many great performers on the church stage: Bishop Fulton Sheen, John Cardinal O’Connor, and of course, a man charismatic in many languages, Pope John Paul II.
But I daresay that none has that rare combination of Prelate and Everyman possessed by Timothy Dolan.
As he strolled over to us, we saw he’d traded his Miter for a Yankee cap, and then boomed, “Isn’t this wonderful? I’m looking forward to a victory, and a hot dog, and a cold beer.” Did I hear right? Did the Archbishop really just say he wanted a beer? Indeed he did, and he wasn’t finished. “I know what they serve in Busch Stadium and Miller Park, but I don’t know what they serve here,” I answered, “I hear it isn’t cheap.” The Archbishop, who always seems to have a punch-line in his pocket, answered, “That’s why I’m glad I’m with Mr. Steinbrenner!” His head cocked back and he roared with laughter.
But don’t mistake this Holy Man for Joe Six-pack. Archbishop Dolan is an intellectual heavyweight, who is ready to weigh in on the most important issues affecting Catholics.
He’s already said he’s ready to fight anti-Catholicism, which he says is deeply ingrained in American culture.
Dolan will no doubt tackle stem cells, abortion, and gay marriage. And he will make life uncomfortable for New York’s politicians, Catholic or not. When his ringing defense of the unborn triggered an uproarious standing ovation at his installation, pro-choice politicians including Schumer, Gillibrand, Paterson and Bloomberg sat awkwardly, then finally rose to their feet, even if they did not applaud.
But it may be most difficult for pro-choice Catholic politicians. In the eighties, John Cardinal O’Connor crossed swords with Congressmember and Vice Presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, along with Governor Mario Cuomo. A generation later, a second Cuomo, Andrew, could become a target, in case he runs for Governor. His potential opponent is another pro-choice Catholic, Rudy Giuliani.
Dolan does not like the term “bully pulpit,” But while the Archbishop may not wave a fist, he almost certainly will be getting in people’s faces.
Curiously, when it comes to his great passion, baseball, and more importantly, Yankees versus Mets, the Archbishop still sits on the centerfield fence. But he may soon have to take sides here too. You see, there is only one team playing in the New York Archdiocese: the Yankees. The Mets are in the Brooklyn Diocese. So even in matters so mundane, the Archbishop must take a stand.
Your Excellency, welcome to the Majors!
