David Brandman, who heads the Artists and Writers Softball Game’s board, announced at a recent press conference at the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center here that his organization hopes former players belonging to the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will take part in his organization’s future third-Saturday-in-August Scribe-Paletteer fund-raising battles at East Hampton Village’s Herrick Park.
“We’re also looking into having former major leaguers conduct a three-hour clinic for 6 through 16-year-olds, either on the day of the game, or on some other date, and we’re talking with East Hampton High School about establishing several $1,000 scholarships for seniors who are interested in pursuing journalism or visual or performing arts careers,” added Brandman, who made these announcements after he and the game’s 95-year-old impresario, Leif Hope, handed out $10,000 checks to the Artists-Writers Game’s four beneficiaries — the Eleanor Whitmore Center, the Retreat, Phoenix House, and East End Hospice.
“These charities cover the full circle of life,” he said, “from early childhood learning to hospice assistance for patients and families. The Early Childhood Center fills the need for quality day care while supporting single parents, working families, and the businesses here that employ them. The Retreat is the only domestic violence abuse agency that offers comprehensive services to women and children on the East End of Long Island. Phoenix House Academy in Wainscott is a 45-bed adolescent treatment center and high school that uses individual and group counseling to help overcome addiction. East End Hospice provides an individualized plan of care for patients, their families, and loved ones throughout the difficult times of illness and loss.”
The Artists brushed off the Writers 15-9 in last August’s clash, the 75th in the annual agon’s history, thus extending their lead to 18-15-1 in games played since 1988, called the game’s Clinton era, when the governor of Arkansas and later president first took part as an umpire. The Artists are 6-4 in the past decade.