Q: Which wild card team has won the World Series? When did it happen and who was the opposing team?
—Karen Ermutlu, Alpharetta
A: Six wild card teams have won the World Series since its first year in 1995.
- 1997: The Florida Marlins, who finished second behind the Braves in the National East, defeated the Cleveland Indians four games to three in the World Series.
- 2002: The Anaheim Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants four games to three. The Angels and the Giants were both wild card teams.
- 2003: The Marlins, who finished behind the Braves in the NL East, defeated the New York Yankees four games to two.
- 2004: The Boston Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals.
- 2011: The Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers four games to three.
- 2014: The Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals, who were also a wild card team, four games to three.
Q: I’m not Catholic, but I watched Pope Francis and was impressed with the tall man wearing glasses who assisted the pope during all Mass celebrations. Does he live in Rome and always travel with the pope?
—Catherine Thomas, Atlanta
A: Monsignor Guido Marini is Pope Francis' Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies.
He’s often seen standing next to the pope during liturgical events, which his team coordinates, The Washington Post reported.
Marini also held the position for Pope Benedict XVI.
“Pope Francis has retained Guido Marini, and he has adjusted to Francis’ particular tastes” — simple and straightforward,” Matthew Bunson, author of “The Pope Encyclopedia,” told the Post.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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