In July 2016, former major league catcher Mike Piazza, was inducted to the baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York. In his induction speech, Piazza thanked many people who inspired him along the way, including both his father and his mother. He particularly thanked his mother for sharing with him her devout Catholic faith. He said in part:
“(My mother) gave me the gift of my Catholic faith, the greatest gift a mother could give a child, which has had a profound impact on my career and has given me patience, compassion and hope. Pope Benedict the XVI said, ‘One who has hope, lives differently.’ Mom, you raised five boys, and you were always there for me"
In an interview on EWTN with Raymond Arroyo following the Cooperstown ceremony, Piazza told more about his journey to the major leagues and the importance of his Catholic faith. This sixteen-minute video is inspirational and approriate viewing for high school students.
