Annual charity softball game set for July 27
It’s the rubber match. After winning the first game, the Herald-Standard lost to the Fayette County commissioners last year in their annual charity softball game.
The third matchup between the two teams is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at Bailey Park in Uniontown. Game time is set for 6 p.m.
Proceeds from the game will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which will be held Aug. 9-10 at Laurel Highlands High School. The event raised more than $200,000 last year to help in the battle against the dreaded disease.
With the series tied at 1-1, this year’s game will be the tiebreaker and give the winner a chance to gloat for another year.
“It felt so good to win last year,” said Fayette County Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites, who plays third base for the team. “It was just an incredible feeling, and we’re working hard this year so we’ll have that feeling again.’
“I just couldn’t believe we lost,” said Mark O’Keefe, dayside managing editor for the Herald-Standard and manager for the newspaper’s team. “It’s been a very long off-season, and I definitely don’t want to go through this again.’
While not divulging any specifics, O’Keefe said he has made some changes in his team’s training for the game. O’Keefe admitted it’s possible that his team overlooked the commissioners last year but vowed it won’t happen again.
“This is serious business,’ said O’Keefe, who insisted he doesn’t feel pressure from the newspaper’s upper management to come up with a victory. “I might have to crack the whip a little more than in the past, but I’m sure everyone understands what’s at stake here.’
Vicites wouldn’t release his full roster but noted that among the players on his team are state Sen. Richard Kasunic, Fayette County Controller Mark Roberts, Chief Detective Larry Curry and Fayette County Children and Youth Services Director David Madison.
O’Keefe said he’s still juggling his roster but noted that newcomers to the team include News 19 anchors Amy Lutz and Anthony DeNunzio and feature reporter Carrie Lenardo. Among the returnees on the team are Assistant Sports Editor Rob Burchianti, sportswriters Dave Stofcheck and Ed Kolencik, and staff writers Steve Ferris and Josh Krysak.
Both O’Keefe and Vicites agreed that the real winner in the game is the American Cancer Society.
“It’s great to help such a worthwhile cause,’ said Vicites.
“This benefits so many people. We’re glad to help in any way we can,’ added O’Keefe.
Various activities are planned before the game. More details will be released later. Admission will be $1. Food and beverages will be on sale. For more information, call O’Keefe at 724-439-7569.