Philly Sports Jabronis
Report From American Heart Association
PHILADELPHIA – April 8, 2015 – Baseball fans from the Delaware Valley and beyond will have the opportunity to take swings from home plate at the 18th Annual Richie Ashburn Memorial Home Runs for Heart on May 4 and 5 (8 am – 4:30 pm), making them the first amateur sluggers to take a spot on the soil of Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, since last season. The American Heart Association event was designed to give fans the chance to live out their major league dreams. It made its debut in 1997, after the sudden passing of Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn, who succumbed to heart disease. In addition, the event also honors longtime Phillies announcer Harry Kalas, who also died of heart disease in 2009.
Held annually at Citizens Bank Park, Home Runs for Heart is a derby contest (batting only) that enables participants to step up to home plate and swing for the fences. After batting and catching fly balls, also known as “shagging fly balls,” in the outfield, participants can visit the Phillies’ club house, take a tour of the ballpark, pose for pictures with the Phillies Ballgirls and meet the Phillie Phanatic. In addition, the team, individual man and individual woman with the most home runs and the most points (based on distance) will receive prizes and special recognition.
“This event is a lot of fun. What better way to spend a day with colleagues, friends or family? We’re in the home of the team we love raising money for America’s number one killer. And getting some exercise while we’re doing it,” said Anthony Angelo, president and CEO, Millenium Home Health Care and chair of the 2015 event. “There are so many things to experience while you’re there. Among them, honoring the two men that meant so much to the Phillies, as well as to the city.”
For more information or to register, call 215-575-5218, email sarah.smart@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/homeruns.
Proceeds from Home Runs for Heart benefit the local research and community education efforts of the American Heart Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Sponsors of this year’s event include: Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News/philly.com, United Tire and Service, Genesis Healthcare, Hospice Compassus, Konica Minolta Business, Solutions USA, Millenium Home Health Care, The Shauger Group and Connell Foley LLC. Media sponsors: Comcast SportsNet and CBS Radio.
