A Different Kind of Strike at Baseball Fundraiser

The Second Annual Chatham Baseball Season Kick-Off Fundraiser topped last year’s revenue substantially thanks to a sell-out crowd and a great silent auction at Plaza Lanes in Madison on Saturday.

“We had the right balance of making money and having fun,” said Paul Anello, one of the parents who organized the event. “Some people who couldn’t even bowl sent in checks just to show their support.”

The three-hour fundraiser by the Chatham Baseball Club invited residents to come out for a “night of throwing strikes” at Madison’s bowling lanes with unlimited “Rock  & Roll” bowling. The event included food, bowling and lots of mingling amongst Chatham’s baseball community.

“This event builds interest and involvement in the summer baseball program and it’s also a way to get the baseball community together,” said Jeff Hale, president of the Chatham Baseball Committee.

“I love it—it’s a lot of fun,” said Chatham Township resident Tim Bintzel, whose third-grader Michael plays baseball.

Borough resident Nick Huth agreed saying, “I’m all about baseball—that’s why I’m here.”

About $22,000 was raised for the Chatham Baseball Club, which oversees the Chatham recreation and summer baseball programs. Chatham Baseball Club invest the funds in various programs, including new equipment, field improvements and baseball clinics. A portion of the proceeds will also help in offsetting the costs of sending the 12U Summer Travel Team Cooperstown Tournament in New York, where the team will compete against teams from all over the country. 

The auction boasted many autographed sports items such as an Eli Manning photo (from the Giants), a Masters golf flag signed by Phil Mickelson, a Yankees gift pack with a signed CC Sabathia baseball and game tickets, a Blake Griffin (of the Clippers) signed basketball, a Mark Teixeira (of the Yankees) photo and an autographed Mets Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver baseball.

By the end of the night, the auction yielded $14,000 with the Mets Game Package (four tickets, pregame field passes, VIP parking) going over $2,000.

Local restaurants such as D’Oro, Charley’s Aunt, Tolima, Brasa Grill, Firehouse Pizza and caterer Bella Luna donated gift certificates or food. Chatham High varsity baseball coach Bryan Hedgecock provided the Cougar Home Run package, including “Ballboy for a Day” at a varsity game and personal baseball training and Chatham resident and baseball coach Chris Delsandro, owner of Delsandro Maintenance, contributed window washing services that yielded $600 in the auction.

At the end of the evening, committee member and famous sports broadcaster, Bob Papa, thanked the folks at Plaza Lanes and the crowd for attending. “It may be in Madison, but you’re all Chathamites and this is a great event,” he said. 

“What a way to end the event—to have the voice of the Giants wrap up the evening,” said Anello.