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Teams prepare for annual softball fund-raiser

2 min read

It’s rubber match time again. With their series tied at two wins apiece, the Herald-Standard will battle the Fayette County commissioners in the Fifth Annual Relay for Life Softball Challenge.

The game will take place Sunday, July 31, at Bailey Park in Uniontown. The first ball will be thrown out at 6 p.m. There is a $1 admission charge. The concession stand will be open and food and beverages will be for sale.

After winning the first game, the Herald-Standard lost the next two games to the commissioners. But the Herald-Standard rebounded last year behind shortstop Mark Haines to knot the series at two wins apiece.

Haines’ bat was red hot as he pounded three home runs and two doubles, driving in 12 runs.

“Mark just had one of those super games last year,’ said Mark O’Keefe, the Herald-Standard’s executive editor and manager of the team. “He’s a great player, and we’re certainly happy that he’ll be playing for us again.

“We’ve never beaten the commissioners two years in a row, so that’s what we’re shooting for this year,’ said O’Keefe.

Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites, who organizes the commissioners’ team, admitted his squad may have become complacent after topping the Herald-Standard team two years in a row. “I think we did take things for granted last year,’ said Vicites. “But we’ll be ready for the game this year. We know we have to bounce back after last year.’

Vicites promised that he is looking at making changes, but declined to comment publicly on the moves. “The only thing I’ll say is that you’ll see some different things with the team this year,’ he said.

Both O’Keefe and Vicites agreed, though, that the real winner of the game is the American Cancer Society. All proceeds benefit the society’s annual Relay for Life, which will be held Aug. 13-14 at Laurel Highlands High School.

“We’re very happy to help out the American Cancer Society in any way we can,’ said Vicites. “It’s a great charity and deserves everyone’s support.’

“We hope everyone comes and has a good time and makes a donation to this very worthwhile cause,’ said O’Keefe. “A portion of the money raised will go toward finding the cure for this terrible disease, and that’s important for everyone.’

For information about the game, call O’Keefe at 724-439-7569.

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