Good Questions: Lynx Jerseys, Bullpens & Churches

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Lynx are seeking their third WNBA title. And that got Sue from Alexandria wondering: Why does it say "Mayo Clinic" instead of "Lynx" on the front of their jerseys?

The Lynx announced a multi-year partnership with Mayo Clinic last year. As part of the agreement, Mayo Clinic was allowed marquee placement on the team jerseys. Other WNBA teams have similar partnerships with other businesses, and those partnerships help fund the league.

----------

The Minnesota Twins are also making a play-off push, and Nancy from Bloomington wants to know: Why do they call it a bullpen in baseball?

There are a lot of theories on this, but baseball author and historian Paul Dickson thinks one theory stands out. He says relief pitching became popular at ballparks in the late 1890s, and so did advertising.

Nearly every ball park in the country had a Bull Durham tobacco sign affixed to the outfield wall. Relievers would warm up in the shadow of the sign, which was shaped like a bull. And over time, that area became known as "the bullpen."

-------

With Pope Francis in the U.S., Chris wants to know: What is the difference between a church, chapel, basilica and cathedral?

Chapels are attached to an institution, like a university, hospital or church. Often a chapel is found inside a church. But unlike churches, chapels do not have congregations.

Basilicas and cathedrals are larger versions of churches, with two honorary distinctions.

"A cathedral is the church of the bishop, and a basilica is the church of the pope," Basilica of St. Mary worship director Johan Van Parys said.

It was the first American church to be awarded that title by the pope in 1926.

"It's kind of like the Queen of England knighting a person. That's what the Pope does with the basilica," Van Parys said.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.