For a group of St. Petersburg police officers and fire fighters it’s time to play ball for a cause.
VETSports, a national non-profit that helps keep vets healthy through physical activity, will host its second annual softball series pitting local heroes against retired MLB players.
Among the MLB alumni are Mike Devereaux, Travis Phelps, Anthony Telford, Mark Whiten, John Frascatore, Toby Hall, Dave LaPoint, Greg Blosser, Jason Romano and Rich Thompson. Former Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Sean Rodriguez will throw out the first pitch.
“VETSports is about helping veterans achieve better health through sports,” co-founder and Tampa Bay resident SGT. B. Taylor Urruela said. “It’s a healing process for all of us. We’re all wounded veterans, and we’ve all dealt with a lot of issues. Just being around other wounded veterans and being able to communicate and let the walls down and the guard down; it’s healing for all of us.”
About 20 percent of the revenue will go to the Miracle League of Kiwanis Gulf Beaches. Other fundraisers include a raffle and silent auction. Students from the Admiral Farragut Academy’s Championship Exhibition Drill Team will also perform.
The games kick off at 6 p.m. this Saturday at Al Lang Stadium, where the Rowdies now play soccer under the ownership of prominent St. Pete businessman Bill Edwards.
Tickets are $5 at the gate and, of course, veterans and active-duty military, as well as children under 14, get in for free.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue is also doling out free admission in exchange for new and unwrapped toys to give to under-privileged kids this holiday season.
Sponsors for the event include the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation Community Grant and Moving Warriors Media. The PDQ chicken joint and Smokin’ J’s BBQ are contributing food.
