Jul 24, 2009 2 min read

The 9th annual Relay for Life Softball Challenge, pitting the Herald-Standard employees against Fayette County employees, will be held 7 p.m. Sunday at Hutchinson Field in Hopwood. The series is tied 4-4, with the county winning in a blowout last year. All proceeds of the game benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser.

Herald-Standard Executive Editor Mark O’Keefe attended the Fayette County commissioners meeting Thursday to urge everyone to come out and support the good cause.

“It’s a good game for a good cause,” O’Keefe said.

O’Keefe joked that they will be checking the bats because last year the county players brought out the heavy lumber.

He said the American Cancer Society does a lot of good work for cancer victims. He said the game will include concessions and different drawings.

“We might have a couple surprises,” warned O’Keefe.

Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites, who has headed up the county team for the past eight years, said he has heard rumors O’Keefe was out recruiting players.

“We regard all readers as members of the Herald-Standard,” countered O’Keefe. “We’re all one big family.”

Solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr. joked that he has been put on waivers, but told O’Keefe he would have to talk to his agent to secure his services.

Vicites said his team hasn’t practiced, but they have a good coach in Commission Chairman Vincent Zapotosky.

Zapotosky said the game is for a great cause, pointing out that earlier this year his mother was diagnosed with cancer and the response she got from the American Cancer Society was remarkable.

Cancer survivors are invited to the game to take part in special pre-game ceremony. For more information about the game, call O’Keefe at 724-439-7569.