Laderman discusses the immortality that arises from a hero. In Christianity, fanatics are often inspired and motivated by Jesus to do and be good. Laderman points out the "immortality...and iconic status" (61) of Michael Jordan even when his basketball career has come to a close. Critics might argue against the immortality of Jesus' spirit, but no could deny the power of his being that lives on in countless Christians. In this same way, Jordan doesn't "fade from the public eye," he "remains an irresistible figure in American and global cultures," where "millions consume, and are consumed by, his unique spirit." (61)
Another similarity between sports and religion are the rituals involved. There are many rituals performed by both the players and the spectators. For instance, in Bull Durham, Annie Savoy says “there's never been a ballplayer slept with me who didn't have the best year of his career.” Sleeping with Annie is a ritual performed by many baseball players because they believed that it influenced their playing skills. In reality, the two seem uncorrelated, but that is the beauty of a ritual. Rituals in religion are often irrational, but people believe that they will have an impact, just like the baseball players in the movie.
The fanatics that religion and sports attract invoke similar idolizing of heroes in different religions, and rituals offer players meaningful practices in the same way rituals function in common religions.
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