Free event kicks off 2010 Spring Training season with over 20 players
Inaugural Spirit of the Game event to draw community, raise funds for charity
 
PHOENIX (Jan. 27, 2010) – Spring Training is a great time for fans to see their favorite players and enjoy the beautiful weather, and this year over 20 players will hold a special event for their fans. The inaugural Spirit of the Game community event on Feb. 20, from 5:00-8:00pm at Surprise Stadium (15850 North Bullard Avenue, Surprise) is a great opportunity for fans to come out to see their favorite players, get autographs and hear directly from the pros about their personal and professional lives. Retired San Francisco Giants pitcher Dave Drevecky will also speak.
 
Over twenty Major League ball players from thirteen teams will be on hand at this free event. Confirmed players are: Eric Chavez (Oakland Athletics); Russ Ortiz and Adam Godwin (Los Angeles Dodgers); Mike Sweeney, Rob Johnson and Garrett Olson (Seattle Mariners); Blaine Boyer (Arizona Diamondbacks); Bill Bray and Micah Owings (Cincinnati Reds); Matt Laporta (Cleveland Indians); Matt Herges (Kansas City Royals); Terry Evans (Los Angeles Angels); Tim Dillard (Milwaukee Brewers); Kevin Young (Pittsburgh Pirates); Chase Headly and Nick Hundley (San Diego Padres); Jeremy Affeldt (San Francisco Giants); David Murphy (Texas Rangers) and retired players Damion Easley, Eddie Taubensee and Tim Salmon.
 
Instructional clinics will be offered with tips from the pros on all areas of baseball. Clinics are open to kids of all ages and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Other activities include autograph stations and a kid’s zone with interactive games as well as food available for purchase. Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the St. Mary’s Food Bank, Westside Location to have a chance to win one of many fantastic door prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 a piece or six for $20 as a fundraiser for the food bank and Interfaith Community Care. Raffle gifts include a Wigwam golf package, Suns tickets and a Diamondbacks package.
 
The event is being put on by Compassionate Surprise and Christian athlete associations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baseball Chapel, Unlimited Potential Inc., Pro Athletes Outreach and Endurance with Jan and Dave Dravecky, which have joined together with a mission to create a community event that fosters the messaging of family, fun and faith.
For information about the event and players in attendance, please visit www.spirit-ofthe-game.com or call (602) 274-1988.
# # #