A Collision in Center Field

Time was when the billboard on an outfield fence said: “Hit this spot and win a free suit at Harry’s.” That seems such a simple proposition now, particularly in light of events in Downey, where a local businessman wants to post the Ten Commandments out in center field at the high school.

“I’m not trying to sell religion,” says Ed DiLoreto, “I’m trying to sell rules to live by.”

He could hardly have made a better choice than what the Old Testament describes as the words of God, delivered to Moses on Mt. Sinai. But as enduring as the commandments are, they stand in this case against this country’s 1st Amendment to the Constitution, which requires separation of church and state. A public school--Downey High in this case--represents the state.

The Downey school district is in a bit of a spot. It had encouraged advertising on the outfield fence as a source of revenue. No restrictions were cited. Nevertheless, the district’s attorneys think they have a constitutional case, and they cite a number of legal decisions that have gone against the posting of the commandments in public buildings. Furthermore, the district has now banned advertising on high school grounds, which might make the case moot. Attorneys on each side are weighing their strategies.

State and religion, the Constitution and the Bible. This is a contest that should not seek winners and losers. The moral messages of both hallowed documents are largely compatible. Let’s just play ball.

What’s a base runner to do if he looks to the center field fence and sees “Thou shalt not steal”?