Every summer, a group of artists and writers that have ties to the East End take the softball field at Herrick Park (Newtown Lane, East Hampton) for a friendly competition. What started off as a modest backyard game in 1948 that featured the likes of Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning, Philip Pavia, Jackson Pollock, and Joan Mitchell has turned into a major fundraiser for local causes.
The 68th Annual East Hampton Artists & Writers Annual Softball Game will take place on Saturday, August 20th at 2 p.m., with batting practice taking place at 12 p.m.
Former New York Yankees manager and current MLB Chief Baseball Officer, Joe Torre, will throw out the first ball of the 2016 game and former New York Mets pitcher John Franco will participate in this year’s game. Previous players have included Ed Burns, Alec Baldwin, Josh Charles, Lauren Bacall, Christie Brinkley, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Paul Simon, Bruce Weber, Lorraine Bracco, Matthew Broderick, President Bill Clinton, Woody Allen, Mark Feuerstein and Rudy Giuliani, so you really never know who’s going to show up for an at bat or two. And because you really can’t go to a ballgame without noshing on some typical American fare, hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream will be available for purchase.
Before the big game, you can meet the players during a Pre-Game Party on Friday, August 19th at LTV Studio (75 Industrial Road, Wainscott). From 6 to 8:30 p.m., get into the competitive spirit with game videos, and bidding on live and silent auctions. The evening will also include bites from local restaurants and wines and beer. Admission is $50 per person.
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Former New York Yankees manager and current MLB Chief Baseball Officer, Joe Torre, will throw out the first ball. (Photo: Patrick McMullan/patrickmcmullan.com) |
While the rivalry between both teams remains year after year, the events are really about “building a community around the game and building a better game to serve the community.” Each year, East Hampton Artists & Writers Annual Softball Game picks a few local organizations that offer vital human services to the East End to support. Proceeds from this year’s benefit will be donated to the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Phoenix House Academy, The Retreat and East End Hospice.
“The Retreat is proud and grateful to be a beneficiary of the 68th Annual Artists & Writers Softball Game,” shared Loretta K. Davis, Executive Director of The Retreat. “It’s so important to have fun while raising money for some great local organizations!”
“We are looking forward to another wonderful afternoon at the Artists and Writers game and we’re grateful for their ongoing support for the Center and our children,” added Maureen Wikane, Director of the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center. “We hope you’ll join us for this fabulous event.”
Admission to the 68th Annual East Hampton Artists & Writers Annual Softball Game is a $10 suggested donation (or more if you’re feeling extra charitable).
For more information, visit awgame.org.
