Seminarians Reclaim Collar Classic Crown with 14-7 Win Over Priests
FARGO, N.D. — Bragging rights were on the line Sunday evening as priests and seminarians squared off in the annual Collar Classic, a tradition that brings together clergy, future priests and the faithful for an evening of baseball and fellowship.
The Priests, known as the Shepherds, entered as defending champions after a 2-1 victory last year. But the Seminarians wasted little time showing this year’s game would tell a different story.
A three-run first inning set the tone for the Sems, highlighted by an RBI double from Fargo’s Logan Bruce of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. The early offensive outburst gave the Seminarians momentum they would never relinquish.
The Priests mounted a rally in the fourth inning. Trailing 7-2, Father Jayson Miller of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in LaMoure provided a spark with a two-run home run, trimming the deficit to 7-4 and giving the Shepherds hope of a comeback.
The Seminarians, however, remained in control. Deacon Paul Zach of Saint Paul Seminary showcased his versatility by contributing both on the mound and at the plate, recording a strikeout while also driving in a run. His all-around performance helped keep the Seminarians comfortably ahead.
The Priests continued to battle throughout the evening, but the Seminarians consistently had an answer. By the final out, the future Fathers had secured a convincing 14-7 victory and reclaimed Collar Classic bragging rights.
For Dcn. Paul Zach, the result was a reflection of both improved play and the camaraderie that makes the event special.
“We had a lot of new guys this year that could really hit the ball,” Dcn. Paul Zach said. “Some of them were really smashing it, so that helped out a lot. Last year we couldn’t really string anything together, but it worked out well this year. It’s a ton of fun. Builds fraternity and it’s great just to spend time together again with them because some of these guys are from all over the place and you don’t get to see them very often, so it’s great to see all these guys again.”
While the game provides plenty of competition, those involved say the event is about much more than the final score.
“It’s a beautiful night. It’s a fun event for everybody to come out,” said Father Kyle Metzger, director of vocations for the Diocese of Fargo. “We get priests in here from all across the eastern side of the state. So it really brings in a wide group of people to just enjoy the night here on Father’s Day, celebrating with their priests who are their spiritual fathers. It’s just a great night.”
Fargo Diocese Bishop John Folda echoed those sentiments.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Folda said. “I always say that my team wins every year because I cheer for both sides. So I enjoy seeing them play, and it’s wonderful to see all the folks come out and support their priests and their seminarians. It’s just a wonderful occasion. We have a lot of fun.”
In the end, the Seminarians may have taken home the trophy, but the Collar Classic once again served its greater purpose — bringing together priests, seminarians and parishioners from across the diocese for an evening of faith, fellowship and friendly competition.
The Collar Classic began in 1994 as a winter basketball game, but transformed into summer softball in 2024. The Seminarians won 13-4 (2024) before the Priests won 2-1 (2025).
