Pacers stars participated in ninth annual Celebrity Softball Challenge
Paul George and his fellow Pacers participated in the ninth annual Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge to help raise money for the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund.
Paul George, Jeff Teague and Myles Turner, as well as former Pacers Danny Granger and Jermaine O’Neal all took to the diamond to take part in the ninth annual Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge.
Join @Yg_Trece with @Original_Turner, Jeff Teague, @dgranger33, @jermaineoneal and many more tonight at Victory Field! Tickets just $10. pic.twitter.com/QEK8pFrwSK
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 15, 2017
The fundraiser, with members of the Indianapolis Colts participating as well, benefits the Indianapolis Children’s Wish Fund, which grants wishes to Indianapolis children with life-threatening illnesses. The Fund has granted over 3,000 wishes over the past 33 years.
Paul George captained one team and faced off against opposing captain and Colts legend Robert Mathis. Both athletes are seasoned veterans when it comes to the fundraiser, which began in 2009. Over the years, the seven-inning softball game has grown and grown to become one of the biggest events of the summer.
Before the game, Paul George spoke to Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star and said that he fully expects to finish next season in a Pacers uniform. This report from Taylor corroborated what we heard Zach Lowe say on his podcast with Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne, that the Pacers aren’t interested in trading George at this time.
George graciously answered several questions regarding his future before the first pitch, but the purpose of the evening wasn’t to learn new details about his upcoming free agency. No, the purpose was to get a hit on Robert Mathis then spend so much time blowing kisses to the crowd that you don’t make it to first base on time.
https://twitter.com/ScottAgness/status/875504061939945472
Jokes aside, it was great to see so many Pacers and Colts at the game supporting a truly wonderful cause.
Next: Will the Pacers take a swing at Rudy Gay?
They may not want to quit their day jobs just yet, but Paul George and the crew will have to make sure to practice for the 10th annual showdown next summer.