Pretzles and beer offered unto idols?

Sammy Sosa of the Texas Rangers hit his 600th home run a couple of weeks ago. But there was that nagging question about the steroids scandal, and whether his statistics reflect a "level playing field" or one tipped in his favor through the use of drugs.

But is baseball ignoring even more powerful influences on the game?

For instance, what is Major League Baseball's position on the use of supernatural entities to gain advantage on the playing field?

Superstition has always been part of baseball. But something new seems to be going on. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune about Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen discusses his involvement in Santeria, a Caribbean-based religion similar to voodoo. It's described as "a largely misunderstood Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition that incorporates the worship of orisha, 'multidimensional beings who represent the forces of nature,' with beliefs of the Yoruba and Bantu people of Africa and elements of Roman Catholicism."

Among those who have acknowledged their devotion are Angels pitcher Francisco Rodriguez and Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera --both Venezuelan--and the White Sox's Cuban-born pitcher Jose Contreras, all of whom have been All-Stars and won World Series rings. Others, such as Cincinnati Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez and Chicago Cubs infielder Ronny Cedeno, have experimented with it.

"It's something beautiful," said Contreras, who became a babalao, or Santeria high priest, before defecting from Cuba in 2002. "And it helps me a lot. It gives me peace and tranquillity, but more than that."

And don't forget about all the Christian players who give credit to the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition when they win. In fact, some ball clubs are sponsoring "Faith Nights." Fans who pay an extra $10 will be able to stay after the game and visit booths from Christian colleges and shops, meet Veggie Tales characters and hear a concert by Christian bands.

This all seems tremendously unfair. What about the outfielder who, as a nominal believer, attends church only on Christmas and Easter; or the secularist third baseman; or even the atheist shortstop?

After all, hitting a 90-mile-per-hour fastball is hard enough without having to dodge lightning bolts or sorcery from multi-dimensional beings.

As Yogi Berra once said: "Baseball is ninety percent mental, and the other half is physical.” Today he might have thrown in some percentage points for "supernatural."

Ah, well. You're right, Yogi. “The future ain't what it used to be.”



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