Night at the Nats - The John Carroll Society

In what has become an annual tradition for the John Carroll Society, members gather together for a Washington Nationals game each summer. The JCS "Night at the Nats" event is organized with the assistance of JCS member and Catholic Athletes for Christ sport ministry founder, Ray McKenna.

The event begins with members gathering at a conference room at Nationals Park for an inspirational talk by one or more members of the Nats organization or other influential sports figures, followed by a short trip to the stands to witness the Nats take on that night's opponent in a baseball game!

This year's game took place on June 4, 2025. JCS hosted a pre-game gathering with Ray McKenna, the president of Catholic Athletes for Christ (CAC), Fr. John Barry of CAC's NFL Ministry, and Fred Day, attorney and sports author.

Pictured from left to right: Father John Barry, pastor of Church of the Resurrection, Burtonsville and part-time Nationals and Commanders chaplain; Fred Day, baseball writer; Ray McKenna, writer and founder of Catholic Athletes for Christ; and Chris Mitchell, JCS member and chair of the Nationals Outing event.

Past Highlights

2019: Those attending the event listened to a talk from legendary major league baseball manager and executive Jack McKeon, who spoke about the importance of his faith and attending daily Mass. He attributes much of his success, and those of his teams, to the intercession of St. Therese de Lisieux. Keeping the winning streak alive at the annual event, the Nats defeated the Colorado Rockies with an offensive outburst, including Trea Turner hitting for the cycle. The Nats would finish the season strong and go on to win their first World Series!
2018: Nats relief pitcher Ryan Madson described his journey of conversion to Catholicism in conjunction with his professional comeback to baseball after a serious elbow injury. Also, Ted Towne, Nats Vice President of Finance and Assistant General Manager, described how his activities as a parishioner at St. Bernadette in Silver Spring brings him joy amidst the demands of his work and travel schedule. The Nats prevailed over the Tampa Bay Rays, with Nats ace "Mad Max" Scherzer getting the win while pitching a rare "immaculate inning."

2017: Attendees listened to a talk by Nats Director of Player Development Mark Scialabba, who explained how the Nats prepare young players in the minor league system, and in particular provide daily training, and cultural and spiritual support to Latin American draftees immersed in a new ball-playing environment. He also discussed strengthening his own Catholic faith amid the travel and grind of a long season. The group also were presented a talk by Kevin O’Malley, Operations Director for Catholic Athletes for Christ. He described the organization’s establishment of a players’ pregame Sunday Mass at 27 of Major League Baseball’s 30 ballparks. In addition, Catholic Athletes for Christ recently produced a CD recording of the Holy Rosary recited by legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully. Also, the third time was a charm, as the Nats managed a win over the defendant World Series champion Chicago Cubs on the strength of a franchise-record seven stolen bases.