Pacers All-Star center Roy Hibbert and Colts Pro Bowl linebacker Robert Mathis are hosting their annual celebrity softball clash Thursday, June 26 at Victory Field. It’s the fourth straight summer that the two have co-hosted the event.
The sixth annual Caroline Symmes Memorial Celebrity Softball Challenge presented by The Tony Stewart Foundation is a great night under the lights for Indianapolis sports fans to see local athletes, mascots, and media personalities play with a competitive spirit for a noble cause. Mathis’ Blue Team are the defending champions after a 5-3 victory last June.
In addition to Hibbert, I’m told that Pacers All-Star Paul George, Lance Stephenson, Chris Copeland and Solomon Hill are all slated to take part. Former Pacer Fred Jones will also be in uniform.
(Former Pacers Ben Hansbrough and Miles Plumlee pictured with Roy Hibbert and George Hill at last year’s game.)
Last year’s event, in front of an estimated 9,500 fans, raised approximately $50,000 for the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, which grants wishes to Indiana children, ages 3-18, who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Many of the children were in attendance and helped the celebrities run the bases. One kid’s wish was to finally go to Disney World while another kid wanted to visit the United States Naval Academy. The average cost of a wish is $6,000.
[Click here to read my story from last year’s game]
Gates to Victory Field open at 5:00 p.m. and the Home Run Derby runs from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The seven-inning game then lasts from 7:00 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m.
Tickets, which are $7, can be purchased online or from the Victory Field box office.