Hamptons Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game Celebrating 70th Anniversary

A team of renowned writers will take on renowned artists on Saturday, August 18 for bragging rights during the annual Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game at Herrick Park in East Hampton.

“It’s our big 70th Anniversary of East Hampton Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game,” Leif Hope, Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game Founder, noted. “All the players are excited to make this year the best one yet. I can’t believe it’s been 70 years we’ve been playing!”

Expected players for the Writers team include Ken Auletta, David Baer, Carl Bernstein, David Bernstein, Gabrielle Bluestone, Mike Breen, Brian Burns, Jay Cardiello, Bill Collage, Donnie Deutsch, Marc Ernay, John Franco, Rod Gilbert, Fred Graver, Zack O’Malley Greenburg, Carlton Holmes, Walter Isaacson, Harry Javer, Erika Katz, Keith Kelly, Rick Leventhal, Mike Lupica, Lee Minetree, Dan Rattiner, Steven Ringel, Brett Shevack, Alec Sokolow, Benito Vila, Mark Weinstein, and Paul Winum, while the Artists roster includes Walter Bernard, David Blinken, Russell Blue, David Bogatz, Peter Borish, David Brandman, Peter Cook, Michael Dougherty, Eric Ernst, Ed Hollander, Leif Hope, John Longmire, Eddie McCarthy, Zak Meers, Ron Noy, Brian Pfund, Geoff Prisco, William Quigley, Lonnie Quinn, Ronnette Riley, Thomas Romo,Hal Schroer, Lori Singer, Stu Sleppin, Billy Strong, Richard Sullivan, Wayne Winnick, and Chris Wragge.

The event will kick-off with the Future Artists & Writers Kids Clinic, open to children between the ages of 5 to 11, at 10:30 a.m. The clinic will cover defensive reads, base running, batting practice and swing lab and other useful tips.

Then, teams of two (pitcher and slugger) are invited to compete in the Home Run Challenge at 12 p.m.

Finally, at 2 p.m. the Softball Game’s stars will take the field for some batting practice and the competition heats up at 4 p.m. when the first pitch is thrown. This year, WEHM’S DJ Anthony, 1010 WINS’ Juliet Papa, James Lipton, and comedian Andy Haynes will be in the broadcast booth with scorekeeper Josh Brandman giving the play-by-play.

In addition to watching the creatives and celebrities slug it out for top honors, fans can enjoy typical baseball game fare – like hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream, and also purchase a commemorative t-shirt and hat. There will also be a CharityBuzz.com benefit auction that includes exceptional items like a Founders Pass for the Hamptons International Film Festival, golf packages at prestigious East End courses, lunches with notable names, Hamptons Classic VIP passes, and exceptional artwork.

Proceeds from the 70th annual Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game will benefit Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Phoenix House Academy of Long Island, East End Hospice, and The Retreat.

“I so look forward to the Artists & Writers Game every summer. Its the kind of event that brings the community together,” Loretta K. Davis, The Retreat Executive Director, shared. “We have these great players and volunteers that roll out a festive day, complete with a game full of surprise players, including athletes who are also artists writers and community leaders. There is great play by play coverage and a classic softball lunch, memorabilia and more.”

“I hope everyone will show up on Game Day on Saturday, August 18th to show support to our players and especially the charities we raise critical funds for,” Hope added.

The Game is one of the East End’s longest standing traditions. The inaugural outing brought out the likes of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, Philip Pavia, and Joan Mitchell. Since then, it’s attracted Alan Alda, Ed Burns, Lauren Bacall, Alec Baldwin, Billy Baldwin, Stephen Baldwin, Lorraine Bracco, Christie Brinkley, Matthew Broderick, Cindy Crawford, E.L. Doctorow, Mark Feuerstein, Eric Fischl, Dan Flavin, Jerry O’Connell, and many more.

“It is such a wonderful and fun was to raise funds for local nonprofits,” Davis added. “The Retreat is honored and thankful that it is one of the recipients of the funds raised by this great event.”

Herrick Park is located at 67 Newtown Lane in East Hampton. For more information, visit www.awgame.org.