MLB Pitcher Trevor Williams Defends Catholic Faith Against Dodgers and Anti-Catholic Group

In an exclusive interview with EWTN's Colm Flynn, Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams opened up about his faith journey and how his relationship with Christ motivated him to defend Catholicism against the Los Angeles Dodgers' decision to honor an anti-Catholic group.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/14/2023 (5 months ago)

Published in Sports

Keywords: Dodgers, anti-Catholic, faith, Trevor Williams, sports, baseball

Expressing his conviction, Williams stated on EWTN News In Depth, "It had to be said. We cannot stand idly by while Our Lord gets mocked." When asked about his willingness to face potential backlash and repercussions, Williams explained that defending his faith was a responsibility he felt as a Catholic man.

He emphasized that when he meets St. Peter at the gates of heaven, his win-loss record in 2023 will not matter; rather, he will be asked, "How did you build the kingdom of heaven?"

Williams made headlines on May 30 when he became the first MLB player to speak out against the Dodgers' decision to honor the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence," an anti-Catholic group known for their sexualized performances using Catholic religious imagery and themes. The group's actions, which the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has deemed blasphemous, involve portraying themselves as nuns and employing the likenesses of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and women religious.

Controversy arose when the Dodgers announced their intention to present the group with a "Community Hero Award" during their Pride night at Dodger Stadium on June 16.

While others in the baseball community remained silent, it was Williams who courageously spoke up. In a public statement, he condemned the Dodgers for honoring a group that he described as making a "blatant and deeply offensive mockery of my religion, and the religion of over 4 million people in Los Angeles county alone."

Williams highlighted how this decision contradicted the team's discrimination policy and urged Catholics to reconsider their support for an organization that allows such mockery of its fans to occur.

Since its release, his statement has garnered 19.5 million views and thousands of retweets on Twitter, resonating with people who appreciate his bold defense of the Catholic faith.