Heath Evans’ “Softball Showdown” was a raging success. Here’s the press release:
2nd Annual Heath Evans Softball Showdown a Huge Success as Offense Outslugs Defense 25-13 Tuesday night at Zephyr Field METAIRIE, LA (May 18, 2011) — The high-powered New Orleans Saints proved they are an offensive juggernaut in softball as well as in football, combining for 14 home runs during the second annual Heath Evans Foundation Softball Showdown Tuesday night at Zephyr Field in Metairie.
The Offense scored nine runs in the first inning and coasted to a 25-13 victory over the Defense in front of 9,631 spectators. The event raised more than $200,000. Thirty-nine players, including Evans, participated in the game.
“This was a huge success in every way,” said fullback Heath Evans, who hosted the event, which featured 39 players. “The Foundation is grateful for the support in bringing awareness and help to victims of childhood sexual abuse.”
The event began with the popular Home Run Derby where Drew Brees defended his title, beating Chase Daniel 4-3 in a best-of-five “hit-off”. Each quarterback blasted 11 home runs during the first round. No one else came close — Darren Sharper and Anthony Waters combined for four, Alex Brown hit two and Garrett Hartley hit one.
The power display continued throughout the game. The Offense smacked nine home runs, featuring two each by Chase Daniel and Courtney Roby while Reggie Bush, first-round draft pick Mark Ingram, David Thomas, Tyler Lorenzen and Roger Allen hit one each. Ingram hit his home run on his only swing of the game. The Defense hit five home runs, two by Justin Drescher and one each by Anthony Waters, Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Pierson Prioleau. Evans, who led the crowd in the traditional rousing “Who Dat” pre-game chant, went 1-for-2 with 2 RBI.
“I am proud of my teammates and the Saints fans for their outpouring of support and love for Beth Ann and myself and the Heath Evans Foundation,” said Evans. “Everyone had a lot of fun even though we are battling the serious epidemic of childhood sexual abuse.”
Some the game’s highlights included Saints rookies and young players — Jimmy Graham, Martez Wilson, Nate Bussey, Sean Canfield, Justin Drescher and Matt Tennant — leading the crowd in a slightly off-key version of the national anthem. And second-year running back Joique Bell of Wayne State showed off his athleticism. Bell performed a cartwheel into a back-flip while coming in to score. Reggie Bush was a multi-tasker, tweeting his fans while pitching. Bush also chose a fan to pinch-hit. Tony Castanza of the West Bank swung and missed the first pitch and then joined the power display, hitting a line drive home run on the next pitch over the left-field fence. After crossing home plate, he was carried off the field by his “teammates.”
The event was presented by Boh Bros. Construction, First NBC, Peba Oil & Gas.
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