If Jesus is indeed a Tigers' fan, he can't be pleased with this. The Detroit Tigers are the only MLB team to have scheduled a game during the holy hours on Good Friday.
Catholics are not amused. Now they have to choose between prayers and devotions as acts of reparation for the sufferings and insults that Jesus suffered at the crucifixion, and doing pretty much the same thing for the Tigers at Commercia Park.
Traditional Christian belief says Jesus hung on the cross from noon to 3 p.m. on Good Friday.
Causing Deadspin reader TheFingers to make the possibly blasphemous remark: "Wouldn't that be between 6-9 AM Central? I don't see the conflict."
"It's sort of an insult for Catholics," said Michael Ochab, a 47-year-old Tigers fan. He said he'll miss his first opener in 20 years this year to attend services at St. Florian Catholic Church in Hamtramck. "I'm still hoping the Tigers will change the time." Tigers spokesman Ron Colangelo said Major League Baseball has a "monumental task" putting together a season's schedule. Detroit's climate makes a night game unrealistic this time of year, Colangelo told the Detroit Free Press. "Fans have come to know that our home opener is always a day game," he said.
Sure Good Friday is a sacred 2,000-year-old tradition. But Tigers' fans "have come to know that our home opener is a day game." The question is, is the "monumental task" of putting together the season schedule a greater feat than dying for the sins of all mankind? Please consult your American League Red Book, which you will find in the compartment at the back of the pew in front of you.
Christ has not yet returned a phone call request for comment. But a spokesman for the devil, Scott Boras, has said he doesn't see what the big deal is.
Detroit Tigers' Opener Is 'An Insult For Catholics' [NBCSports]