Pat Day

From The Great Outdoor Fight

Reverend Pat Day (b.1879, d.1932) came to the Fight in 1912 intending to win not only the competition, but also converts. A Baptist preacher, ordained in 1903, Day was a firm believer in "muscular Christianity" and thought that at the Great Oudoor Fight there would be a great many men sound in body but in need of spiritual cleansing. It was Day's belief that if he could show other fighters his physical prowess he would truly strike a blow for Christ. To this end, he studied under former Champion Eddie Mingle for a time. At the Fight, Day gained a great many followers on the first day after his defeat of Sheldon Harris, Emile DeSanto, and Kilroy P. Usher III using the unconscious body of Ullyses Hooper as a club. "I never did see another preacher who could fight that good" remarked Les Catherina, the 1911 champion, who fell to the Reverend that afternoon.

On the second day of the Fight, Day chose to share his Turkey Feast with his army, which numbered in the hundreds of men and was by far the largest force on the field. He then began a sermon on the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Many in the army, who just wanted to enjoy what might well be their last meal, deserted and joined with the other groups. However, Day's fiery oratory was such that the forty-odd men who remained through the two-hour sermon were baptised on that very day with brandy (the only liquid other than blood readily available) and defended Reverend Day against the ensuing onslaught with uncommon ferocity and unity.

By three o'clock on the third day, only three men remained: Day, and two of his loyal converts, Tom Cottrob and Sean McGarrity. "Preacher," said Cottrob, "The Fight is yours." He then took McGarrity by the shoulders and rammed his comrade's head into his face, knocking both men out cold and leaving Day Last Man Standing. This move was later dubbed "The Jesus Forfeit." A week after his victory, Day met Cottrob on the street, grabbed him and rammed his forehead into Tom's. As Cottrob crumpled to the sidewalk, Day yelled, "THAT'S how you do a headbutt, son!"

After winning the Fight, Day continued his travelling ministry and became an advocate for the positive spiritual effects of violence. His encounter with one Dalton Carden convinced the future champion to give up alcohol and become a fighter.