WORCESTER, Mass — Smiles filled the faces of every single person at Polar Park on Sunday night as fans watched on as many Boston legends took part in Drake and Ann Michael Maye’s inaugural MayeDay Charity Softball Game.
Among those who were taking part were Patriots legend Julian Edelman, all of the star quarterback’s brothers, Bruins legend Zdeno Chara, Boston Fleet stars Megan Keller and Jill Saulnier, comedian Matt Rife, and so many more.
The event benefited the MayeDay Family Foundation, with funds going to Boston Children’s Hospital, and fans truly showed their love, with it being a sold-out game.
“They’ve embraced us since I got drafted,” Maye told reporters. “I really love these fans, love playing for them. I love getting to meet them… I think it shows when you bring some energy back to the city and all sports, how much this city loves sports.”
Ann Michael echoed her husband’s sentiments.
“It’s all been such a whirlwind. I feel like everything happened so, so fast. I mean, I was literally in college two years ago today, probably,” she said with a smile. “We’ve grown to love this place in a short amount of time. So it’s awesome to see something like this, such a great turnout. How our idea on a whim kind of turned into something so cool. It’s awesome.”
Home run derby
First up was the home run derby, which numerous players took part in. And to make it even better, Drake and Ann Michael Maye donated $1,000 for each home run hit. Will Campbell kicked things off, finishing with five home runs, as did San Jose Sharks star and Lexington native Will Smith. Edelman and Christian Gonzalez both had four, while Mack Hollins and Dave Portnoy each had one. And then, there was Chara, who ended with zero. As for Drake Maye, he finished with six home runs, and his brother Cole recorded three of his own.
That led to the finals, which were between Maye, Smith, and Campbell. The offensive tackle finished in third with six home runs in the finals, while Maye and Smith both recorded nine. However, Maye gave the trophy to Smith, who was officially crowned the champion.
And with that, by the end, it was a total of 54 home runs for $54,000.
Golden arm competition
After the home run derby, those who hadn’t participated in that took part in the Golden Arm Competition. There, each person was given five chances to throw the ball and knock down three bats at first base. The distance was roughly 180 feet, and the players certainly struggled.
Tight end Hunter Henry started things off and went 0-for-5, but he wasn’t the only one, as Maye’s brothers Luke and Beau, comedian Matt Rife, Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers, linebacker Robert Spillane, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs also didn’t hit the bat. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas was able to break the streak, going 1-for-5, as did safety Brenden Schooler and punter Bryce Baringer.
That led to a throw-off, with all three continuing to throw the ball at the bats until one knocked it over. In the end, it was Douglas who hoisted the trophy.
Softball classic
Team Sox: Brenden Schooler, Dave Portnoy, Matt Rife, Will Smith, Matty Beniers, Tommy DeVito, Marcus Jones, Mack Hollins, Robert Spillane, Jared Wilson, Julian Edelman, Jack Westover, Christian Gonzalez (captain)
Team Patriots: Will Campbell, Beau Maye, Cole Maye, Luke Maye, Megan Keller, Jill Saulnier, Mike Onwenu, Hunter Henry, DeMario Douglas, Rhamondre Stevenson, Romeo Doubs, Zdeno Chara, Mike Vrabel, Drake and Ann Michael Maye (co-captains)
…Plus a special appearance by wide receiver Efton Chism on Team Patriots.
The game would last seven innings, with each team either getting three outs or going through their entire lineup each half-inning. And to up the ante, Drake and Ann Michael Maye announced that they would donate $2,500 to Boston Children’s for each home run hit.
But despite Maye admitting he might have loaded up his team (Team Patriots), it was Team Sox who came out on top, winning 17-16. However, what mattered most was the money raised, as the players hit a combined 70 home runs through all the activities for $94,000. Drake and Ann Michael also presented an $80,000 check to Boston Children’s Hospital before the game, while giving a $5,000 check to a local high school.
And Maye’s teammates were so happy to be a part of it.
“We have each other’s backs on and off the field, simple as that,” Stevenson said. “Any time we can all get together outside of football, it’s always a fun time.”
It was truly a night to remember as Drake and Ann Michael did such an incredible job raising money for a great cause.
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