In Rome, Royals star inspires crowd with stories of living his faith

Published: 2006-11-17

ROME (CNS) -- Not even raucous laughter could wake up Mike Sweeney's jet-lagged toddlers who slumbered angelically in their strollers at his feet while he entertained and inspired his audience during his Nov. 17 Theology on Tap talk in Rome. The 33-year-old first baseman for the Kansas City Royals spoke of the ways he lives out his faith. More than 35 people crowded into a wood-paneled pub located near one of Rome's many pontifical universities to hear him speak as part of the program for young adults. One audience member said she found his talk so inspiring she was now going to have to become a Royals fan. "Well, that'll make two of you," Sweeney joked as people laughed and clapped -- the din making his sleepy 15-month-old daughter stir just a bit. The five-time baseball All Star, together with his family, parents and in-laws, came to the Eternal City on a pilgrimage that included attending Pope Benedict XVI's weekly general audience and visiting Vatican officials to promote the work of Catholic Athletes for Christ.

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