Baylor Alumnus and Award-Winning Author to Speak About the Role of Religion in Sports
Media Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
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Waco, Texas (Oct.10, 2017) – Award-winning author Tony Castro, B.A.(Journalism) ’70, will present his lecture, “The Religion of Sports: From Michelangelo to Derek Jeter,” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at Kayser Auditorium in the Hankamer Academic Center on the Baylor University campus.
“In my research, I’ve found piety has become an unregulated performance enhancer in modern day sports,” Castro said. “From pre-game prayers to skyward points after a home run, we’ve made the Lord an unwitting, yet amused spectator.”
In his presentation, hosted by The Texas Collection, Castro will speak about the relationship between sports and religion in the lives of the people he has studied and written about, including Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Ernest Hemingway.
“Michelangelo painted Jesus like an athlete, similar to the physique of Tim Tebow,” said Castro. “This longstanding image of Christ has shaped the tradition of the game and the spirituality therein.”
One of Castro’s books, “The Prince of South Waco: American Dreams and Great Expectations,” recounts Castro’s experience growing up in Waco before bilingual education and affirmative action. Castro wrote about his success as a student, despite his learning disabilities and an inability to speak English.
Castro graduated from Baylor University with a degree in journalism and from Harvard University in 1977 with a master’s degree in journalism and communications. In addition to “The Prince of South Waco,” Castro is the author of several other books, including “Mickey Mantle: America's Prodigal Son,” “Chicano Power: The Emergence of Mexican America” and “Gehrig and the Babe: The Friendship, The Feud.” Castro also has worked as a prize-winning columnist and political writer, reporter, staff writer, screenwriter and researcher.
“We’re excited to welcome Tony Castro to campus,” said John Wilson, interim dean of University Libraries. “His accomplishments in baseball literature and incorporation of religious attributes will make for a excellent event.”
A reception will follow the lecture, and Castro will sign copies of his work.
The event is free and Kayser Auditorium is located on the corner of Speight Ave. and S. Fifth St. For more information, visit the Baylor Libraries website.
by Brooke Battersby , student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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