Public invited to attend charity softball game
Saying he would like to see the stands full, Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites extended an open invitation to the public for Sunday’s fifth annual charity softball game between the Fayette County commissioners and the Herald-Standard. Mark O’Keefe, executive editor and coach for the Herald-Standard, attended Thursday’s commission meeting to talk about the game, which will be a rubber match between the two teams. The series is tied 2-2, with the Herald-Standard winning last year’s game.
“I know you’re fired up and ready,” O’Keefe said. “We’ll be ready too.”
All proceeds for the game, which will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday at Bailey Park in Uniontown, benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Vicites, who has been involved in the securing the lineup for the county for the last four games, summed up his thoughts on the game by saying “focus and preparation.” He said he is thankful that this year the county gets to buy the balls for the game.
Vicites said he looks forward to the game every year, which raises money for the Relay for Life. “It’s just a fun thing. The real focus is the Relay for Life,” Vicites said, adding that the larger event brings in $200,000 every year to be used for cancer research.
O’Keefe said a lot of the money helps families of cancer victims.
O’Keefe and Vicites then each asked solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr. if he would play on their respective teams. Ferens said he would go to the highest bidder, adding that Commissioner Joseph A. Hardy III is his agent.
Commission Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink said no one is fighting over her, adding that the other two commissioners must not know about her arm.
O’Keefe said there will be a concession stand for food and refreshments, and there is no rain in theforecast.
Vicites joked that he will get his once-a-year exercise. “Anybody is welcome. I would like to see the stands full,” he said.
This year’s Relay for Life will be held Aug. 13-14 at Laurel Highlands High School.