Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
August 13, 2019

Artists And Writers To Slug It Out For Charity Softball Game Bragging Rights

Courtney Fileby Courtney File
in Community
Home Community

The 71st Annual Artists and Writers Charity Softball Game is ready to step up to the plate on Saturday, August 17 at East Hampton’s Herrick Park.

The Game was started in 1948 by a group of artists, which include Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, Philip Pavia and Jackson Pollock.

“We never truly know who will come out for the game, and, over the years, we’ve been able to surprise our fans with talented people they never thought they’d see running around on a softball field,” local Long Island artist Leif Hope, who has directed The Game for the past 39 years, as well as served as president of the non-profit board, relayed. Hope is known for recruiting many celebrities throughout the years, including Yogi Berra, Christie Brinkley, Joe Torre and even Bill Clinton.

A new partnership with Guild Hall has led to some exciting newbies playing, including guitarist and musical legend GE Smith, his wife, producer Taylor Barton, NYC Ballet executive director Jon Stafford and multi-media artist Clifford Ross. Guild Hall’s Executive Director Andrea Grover relayed The Game “aligns with our own legacy as a vibrant part of the history of artists and writers on the East End.”

“Our partnering with Guild Hall gives our fundraising ‘an office’, both a professional boost and a place for people to go. Guild Hall did a great job with our 65th Anniversary in 2013 and their work on that celebration led to our highest levels of fundraising and community participation. That year, The Game was able to give generously to our charities,” stated Hope.

Spectators are welcome to watch batting practice starting at 1:30 p.m. while they get ready for the first pitch at 3:00 p.m.

Following in the footsteps of John Franco and Jim Levritz who have played for The Writer’s team, this year’s coaches will be The New Yorker‘s Ken Auletta and sportswriter/novelist Mike Lupica. The Writers’ expected roster will include Alec Sokolow, Andy Friedman, Ann Liguori, Benito Vila, Bill Collage, Bill Evans, Brett Mauser, Brett Shevak, Daniel Pulick, David Baer, Diane McInerney, Elise Trucks, Erika Katz, Gabrielle Bluestone, Harry Javer, Jay Cardiello, Keith Kelly, Kerrie Vila, Lance Romance, Mark Weinstein, Peter Bové, Peter Wood, Richard Weise, Rick Leventhal, Remy Kassimir, Rob Levi, Ron Duguay, Stone Abramson, Tom LaGrassa, Walter Issacson, and Zack Greenberg.

Hope, along with architect Ronnette Riley, will manage The Artists’ roster. Expected participants include Brian Pfund, Chloe Gifkins, Chris Wragge, Clifford Ross, Delfina Blacquier, Ed Hollander, Eddie McCarthy, GE Smith, Joe Sopiak, Jon Stafford, Lance Corey, Nikki Donen, Peter Borish, Peter Cook, Rebecca Underdown, Robert Tuchman, Ron Noy, Sean O’Donnell, Stu Sleppin, Taylor Barton, Walter Bernard, William Quigley, and Zak Meers

“Having Ronnette Riley as vice president and David Brandman as treasurer gives us continuity from years past. Having Gabrielle Bluestone as secretary and Benito Vila as president sets us up for the future. I’m excited by the energy they’ll bring to The Game. A long-running event like this can slacken in popularity, but with these two adding their youth and enthusiasm, we’re in good hands,” Hope added.

Steve Litras, Dan Rattiner, Ed Bleier, and New York State Supreme Court Justice Richard Lowe III will serve as umpires.

New president, Benito Vila, shared, “Even though I grew up in Cincinnati, I somehow knew of the game as a kid. I was first asked to play as an Artist, because I had once led a graphic design firm, but was immediately sent to the other side when I showed up because I had been writing local sports pieces. It’s that sort of game; it’s both friendly and intense. And you have to stay on your toes: I’ve had a presidential candidate call balls and strikes behind me, and I’ve had a Yankee legend as my catcher. I’ve also had perfectly pleasant artists describe me as a ‘dirty, no-good writer’.” Of his new role, Vila added, “To pick up from where Leif has taken the game and to enter into a partnership with Guild Hall is exciting for me and the rest of the board. What we’re looking to do this year is involve the local and summer communities more, open up the game to more celebrities and contribute all we can to the local charities that are The Game’s beneficiaries–The Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Phoenix House Academy, The Retreat, and East End Hospice. Those local non-profits provide essential services for communities of the East End, and the board is delighted to have Guild Hall on the team to help spread their message. Besides, I’ll bet almost everyone playing in The Game is in some ways hoping they get to have an opening or a show at Guild Hall. For me, this is unfussy way to be part of the museum’s program.”

So, don’t miss the exciting action and a chance to support several local charities.

“Our game is one of the few fundraisers out here that anyone can attend. We have a ‘suggested’ $10 admission and we never turn anyone away. In fact, we find a lot of our year-in-year-out fans give more. We are also a rare summer fundraiser in that we’re raising money for local non-profits. A number of the charity events out here each summer are for national organizations,” Hope concluded.

For more information, visit www.awgame.org.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

Kulson’s Summer Kickoff at Sage & Madison
Gallery

Kulson’s Summer Kickoff at Sage & Madison

June 25, 2025
Montauk’s Blessing of the Fleet is a Success
Community

Montauk’s Blessing of the Fleet is a Success

June 17, 2025
Farm to Table: The 2025 Hamptons Farmers Market Guide
Community

Farm to Table: The 2025 Hamptons Farmers Market Guide

June 13, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

01
Jul
01
Jul
-
29
Jul

Learn How to Draw What You See

July 1 @ 10:00 AM - July 29 @ 12:00 PM
wainscott chapel
01
Jul
01
Jul
-
01
Jul

Upon This Ground: Patchwork-Quilting Workshop with William PK Carter presented by BHM and Ma’s House

July 1 @ 02:00 PM - July 1 @ 03:00 PM
The Nathanial Rogers house, 2539 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton NY 11932
01
Jul
01
Jul
-
01
Jul

Strange Art Throwdown

July 1 @ 04:00 PM - July 1 @ 05:00 PM
2478 Main Street Bridgehampton ny 11932
03
Jul
03
Jul
-
03
Jul

Toddler & Teeny Tumbling (ages 18mos – 3yrs)

July 3 @ 09:15 AM - July 3 @ 10:00 AM
44 Meadow Way East Hampton, NY 11937
03
Jul
03
Jul
-
20
Jul

Untitled Art Show – Water Mill Museum – Local Artists

July 3 @ 11:00 AM - July 20 @ 04:00 PM
The Water Mill Museum
Load more listings
Next Post
Chatting Shoes With Bridget Moynahan, Supporting The Year-Round Community With Alec Baldwin, The Dating Scene With Candace Bushnell And Other Candid “Authors Night” Tidbits

Chatting Shoes With Bridget Moynahan, Supporting The Year-Round Community With Alec Baldwin, The Dating Scene With Candace Bushnell And Other Candid "Authors Night" Tidbits

    Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
    Hamptons.com

    Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

    Phone: 631-613-8440
    Email: [email protected]
    Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
    Twitter: @Hamptons
    Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

    About Us | Contact Us

    Hamptons.com

    • Lifestyle
    • Events
    • Real Estate
    • Live Cameras
    • Public WiFi

    Subscribe

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

    Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

    © 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
    Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
    Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Spotlight Magazine
    • Lifestyle
      • Featured
      • Entertainment
      • Arts
      • Community
      • Dining
      • Recreation
      • Trending
    • Events
      • Events Calendar
      • Post an Event
      • Gallery
    • Real Estate
      • Real Estate Features
      • Search Real Estate
        • Open Houses
        • Search Sales
        • Search Rentals
      • Title Insurance
      • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • Live Cameras
      • All Live Cameras
      • Live Weather Cams
      • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
      • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
      • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
      • East Hampton Village, Main Street
      • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
      • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
      • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
      • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
      • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
      • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
      • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
      • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
      • Montauk, Downtown Circle
      • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
      • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
      • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
      • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
      • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
      • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
      • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
      • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
      • Shelter Island, South Ferry
      • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
      • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
      • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
      • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
      • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
      • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
      • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
      • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
    • Public WiFi
      • Public WiFi Map
      • Public Wi-Fi Support

    © 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
    Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
    Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us