In 2025, Ballpark Day of Faith celebrates a milestone of bringing people together at the intersection of the sacred and the secular. This year marks the 15th Annual Ballpark Day of Faith on Father's Day, June 15, 2025. From a small gathering to a thriving annual tradition, here are 15 highlights that define this remarkable journey.
In 2009, two friends made plans to tailgate before a Brewers Game. One invited a seminarian (a former ice hockey player studying to become a priest) who then invited his father to come along. Come game day, these four men sat around a Smokey Joe grill, ate brats, drank some beers, and talked about sports, family, and life in general. On occasion, the conversation dipped even deeper and we talked about stuff like faith and religion. Old friends and new, we shared in our questions about the journey of life. There was a special vibe around that fire. We didn’t know it then, but Ballpark Day of Faith was born.
Everything had to start somewhere, and that included a cold call from Ballpark Day of Faith founder Bob Simi to his friend Dan Quesnell, which set the wheels in motion for BDF’s growth and expansion.
What sets BDF apart? Mass in the parking lot. That first year when Mass was introduced, it transformed the event into something truly unique—a sacred celebration before a day of baseball and camaraderie.
No event grows without a few hiccups. One year, we realized we had forgotten to bring hosts for Mass. A valuable lesson in preparation and improvisation!
One year, we forgot to bring hot dogs. That was not cool. Lesson learned: always double-check the food list!
From the early years to today, incredible corporate sponsors have believed in the mission. Today, our sponsors include Catholic Financial Life, Boyle Fredrickson, Secure Fire & Safety, Husch Blackwell, CG Schmidt, Town Bank, Ever-Green Energy, Wisconsin Stamping & Manufacturing, Knights of Columbus, Pro Life WI, Women's Care Center, Shorewest Realtors, Men of Christ, HNTB, Pagel Wealth Management, Flowers by Jan, GRAEF, and Villani Landshapers. Their generosity has helped shape Ballpark Day of Faith into what it is today.
Over the years, dedicated group of individuals helped turn an idea into a movement, including Jim Schlater, Todd Sobotka, Dave Giordano, Sheri Schmit, Tim Dunne, Nicole Damask, Mike Parey, Brian Savoie, September Schubilske and David Kang.
BDF has become more than just a tailgate and Mass. It’s also a reflection on how sports should fit into life, prioritizing family, faith, and community over obsession and competition.
One of the most defining characteristics of BDF is how it blends faith with baseball. A devout, full-habited nun represents the sacred; Major League Baseball is secular. A full-habit nun throwing out the first pitch is Ballpark Day of Faith. Life is better when the sacred meets the secular.
Over the years, BDF has attracted some well-known names who have embraced the mission and added to the event’s energy. Notable figures like Dick Leinenkugel, Steve “The Homer” True and legendary sportscaster Tom Pipines have joined the festivities, bringing their passion for sports and faith to the gathering. Their presence has helped elevate the experience and create lasting memories for attendees.
For eight years, Ballpark Day of Faith has provided tickets, transportation, and a VIP experience for individuals from the Guest House homeless shelter, giving them a day of joy and community. And while Ballpark Day of Faith is rooted in Catholic tradition, the event is open to all. The goal is to foster a spirit of unity, where faith and fun can be shared by everyone, regardless of background.
From just four people in 2009 to nearly 1,500 attendees today, the exponential growth is a testament to its impact and appeal.
Milwaukee is just the beginning. This year, we hosted our first ever Ballpark Day of Faith south in Florida. With interest from multiple cities, Ballpark Day of Faith is working on expanding to more ballparks, bringing its unique blend of faith and baseball to more people. Stay tuned!
A core mission of Ballpark Day of Faith is ensuring affordability. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, ticket prices remain low, and many families receive subsidized or free tickets. Want to give back? You can help sponsor a ticket for someone else to attend. If you would like to support us in sending those who otherwise would not be able to go, we offer an option to donate a ticket for $30. This includes a Brewers ticket, transportation and a meal.
To continue growing, Ballpark Day of Faith is looking for more sponsors, donors, and ambassadors. The next step is taking the event to the next level, enhancing the experience while staying true to its mission of joy, peace, and beauty at the crossroads of the sacred and secular.
As we celebrate 15 years of Ballpark Day of Faith, we invite you to be part of the journey and get your tickets!
Whether through sponsorship, donation, or simply attending and spreading the word, your support ensures that this incredible tradition continues for years to come. Here’s to the next 15 years!