Baseball Game to Benefit Akron Children's Hospital
3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Akron, Ohio - The Kent State and Akron baseball teams will be playing for more than just pride when they face off in "The Diamond Classic For Kids" at Canal Park on Apr. 24. All gate proceeds will benefit Akron Children's Hospital.
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"Akron Children's Hospital is pleased to be partnering with two outstanding institutions such as the University of Akron and Kent State University to raise both money and awareness for OUR children's hospital," said Laura Jo Hawk, director of annual programs at Akron Children's Hospital. "Community involvement such as the Diamond Classic for Kids is vital to continuing the mission of our hospital where we treat each child as if they were our own, regardless of a family's ability to pay."
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Both teams are excited to be a part of this special event.
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"It's an opportunity for our fans and Akron's fans to support their teams and more importantly, support a great cause with Children's Hospital," said KSU coach Scott Stricklin. "It's a great rivalry game and it's going to be a fun atmosphere to play in a professional park."
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Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth and students with a valid ID. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. for the Tuesday night game. Both teams will visit children at the hospital in April along with both school mascots. The game will be the first of what both schools are hoping will be an annual event.
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"Any time our players can do something for a group such as the Akron Children's Hospital it is great opportunity," said Akron coach Pat Bangston. "We are looking forward to the game vs. Kent State. The first annual Diamond Classic for Kids will be something the community can support for years to come and our team is proud to get this event up and running."
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The non-conference game will be the first of four meetings on the year, as the rivals will play a three-game set at Akron's Lee Jackson Field May 11-13. Canal Park, home of the Akron Aeros, will be hosting the rivalry game for the third time. Kent State came away with a 10-inning 4-3 victory in 2003, the last time it met Akron at Canal Park.
