Major League Baseball players are putting their bats to work once again to help strike out prostate cancer as part of the Prostate Cancer Foundation's 14th Annual Home Run Challenge. The Home Run Challenge, a partnership between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), begins today and runs through Father's Day, June 20, 2010. The Home Run Challenge will help raise crucial funds for prostate cancer research.
“The Home Run Challenge is the epitome of team work with the entire Major League family rallying around this important program that strives to strike out this deadly disease”
During the Home Run Challenge, MLB and PCF are encouraging baseball fans to make a pledge, ranging from $0.10 to $10, for every home run hit during select games. Last year, 124 home runs were hit, raising nearly $2.7 million for accelerated research and scientific discovery that can lead to better treatments and cures. To make a pledge for the 2010 Home Run Challenge fans may call 1-800.798.CURE (2873) or visit www.homerunchallenge.org.
The Home Run Challenge has a new way for baseball fans to donate in 2010. Donors can make a $10 donation by texting PCF to 20222 (message and data rates apply).
"We are dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for prostate cancer," says Michael Milken, founder and chairman of the PCF. "We've been able to make tremendous progress towards this goal thanks in part to Major League Baseball, the Players Association and baseball fans everywhere who have shown enormous support and generosity year after year."
"Since its inception, the Home Run Challenge has raised more than $37 million; we're looking forward to adding to this total in 2010," Milken added.
One out of six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer within in his lifetime, making it the most common non-skin cancer in America. In the time it takes to play 9 innings of baseball, 63 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 9 men will die from the disease.
"The Home Run Challenge is the epitome of team work with the entire Major League family rallying around this important program that strives to strike out this deadly disease," said Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals manager and a 13-year Challenge participant. "Over the years I've seen the Challenge grow into a much anticipated baseball happening that receives an outpouring of support from our fans. We can't thank them enough."
To show their support, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers will wear blue wristbands, bicep bands and temporary blue ribbon tattoos on Father's Day. There will also be blue jewels on bases and some teams will have blue awareness ribbons placed on the field. In addition, teams will show their support in a variety of ways including hosting pre-game ceremonies, running public service announcements, holding auctions and donating tickets.
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