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Trivia question: Who are the two former Cardinals that have
dedication plaques at Yankee Stadium?
Answer: Pope John Paul VI, and Pope John Paul II.
During the pontificate of John Paul II, each year for the Feast of the
Little Christmas, La Befana, for Italians, the Vatican policeman would have a
lottery for prizes which were taken from gifts given to the Pope on various
journeys. One particular Vatican policeman, happened to win 5 baseballs, of
which were given to Pope Paul VI on his journey to New York, October, 1965 to
visit the UN.
Three of these baseballs were signed by Joe DiMaggio, NL President Warren
Giles, and baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn. The baseballs were presented to
Pope Paul VI when he held mass celebrated at Yankees Stadium on October 4,
1965. Later a plaque was dedicated to the Pope in centerfield in Yankee Stadium
to mark this historic event.
The three Papal Baseballs each carry a dedication to the Pope. The
personal inscription written by Joe DiMaggio reads: To- His Holiness Pope Paul
VI With Best Wishes from -Joe DiMaggio
The personal inscription written by commissioner Bowie Kuhn reads: To His
Holiness Pope Paul VI With The Very Best Wishes of commissioner baseball Bowie
K Kuhn commissioner
The personal inscription written by NL President Warren Giles reads: To His
Holiness Pope Paul VI With Best Wishes from the National League Warren Giles
Pres.
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