Cathlete of the Month:  Terry Kennedy
Newest Catholic Athletes for Christ Advisory Board Member

Personal: Born  June 4, 1956 in Euclid, Ohio
Married to Theresa
3 children, Suzanna, Sarah, Bart

Professional Career:

• Played in the Major Leagues with St. Louis 1978 – 80, San Diego 1981-86, Baltimore 1987-88, San Francisco 1989-91
• Appeared in 4 All Star Games 1981,83, 85, 87 (Second catcher to do so in both Leagues)
• Played in 2 World Series 1984 San Diego, 1989 San Francisco
• Terry and his father, Bob, became the first ever father and son combination to  drive in runs in a World Series
• 1998 Baseball American Manager of the Year, Triple A Iowa Cubs
• Currently hitting coach for the San Diego Padres AA affiliate San Antonio Missions

CAC: How did you first get involved in baseball?
TK: My father was a player. He was in the game for 58 years. As a kid, I was always around the game and on the field. I loved it.

CAC: Did you grow up in a strong Catholic family?
TK: Strong for sure. I thought the whole world was Catholic. I always attended Catholic schools, like St. Mary’s in Phoenix. We loved Sunday mass and we always said the family Rosary.

CAC: Who inspired you in your faith?
TK: Dad and Mom. Dad was the reserved, Irish Catholic.  Loyal and faithful. Mom had a tremendous voice for singing.

CAC: Were there ups and downs in your faith?
TK: When I was younger I never missed Mass out of fear of the Lord or fear of Sister Vincent. When I went to college, I spoke to a priest, telling him that I just wasn’t into it. He told me to just keep going to mass, sit in the back if I want and to simply open my mind and heart. That is what you have to do.

CAC: Do you have a favorite saint or devotion?
TK: The Rosary has become important again, my mom was always a fan of the Rosary. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Russian Hermit prayer are an inspiration. As for saints, St. Augustine showed that it is never too late for conversion. Also I love Padre Pio.  I am not sure I would have liked going to him for confession, but he was an amazing person.

CAC: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Catholic athletes today?
TK: Probably getting to Mass regularly. If they simply realize that it is the same Body of Christ and the same Mass in every city.
CAC: As a coach now, are you able to get to mass?
TK: Yes, I get to mass regularly, even if it is early in the morning.

CAC: Do you see yourself as a role model?
TK: When I played I avoided it, I didn’t want that responsibility. We were held to very high standards. Now as a coach, I see an opportunity. I try to lead by example and I will talk more to the players.  With the Triple A Iowa Cubs myself and 5 or 6 of  young players would rent a car, go to Mass and breakfast. There was a connection. Some called me Dad.

CAC: Are players generally supportive?
TK: When I played, you kept your faith to yourself. Now things are more open. Whether they agree or not you can talk about your faith much more.

CAC: Did your faith affect your behavior on the field?
TK: As player I wish I had been a much better example.

CAC: Did you have a special faith moment in sports?
TK: Not really in sports but rather it was when we had our first child. That gave me new perspective and helped bring me back stronger to my Catholic faith. We felt so blessed to have this gift of a child.

CAC: Do the kids take after Dad?
TK: Well, not in baseball but Suzanna (25) works for Life Perspectives, Sarah (24) is now a mother and Bart (23) is working on getting a Masters in Philosophy. Recently he worried us by not returning a few of our phone calls one night. He later explained  that he was in the Adoration Chapel and turned his phone off. They are good people.

CAC: What advice would you give to a young Catholic athlete?
TK: Get correct scripture and education the Catholic way. Find answers and develop a fire and fervor for the faith like new converts. Lay your talents at the altar, put them in the hands of Christ. Serve Christ first and good things will happen.