If you thought the players were having fun at Drake Maye's inaugural Celebrity Softball Classic on Sunday night, there were kids in the sold-out crowd having an even better time – despite a little rain.
The New England Patriots quarterback and his wife, Ann Michael Maye, hosted the event as the first activation of their MayeDay Family Foundation. The seven-inning game, complete with a home run derby, throwing competition, and fireworks, was exactly what the Mayes envisioned when they brainstormed ways to best impact the community.
What they didn't anticipate was the level of support for the event, and what it would mean to the children it was benefiting.
"It was absolutely unforgettable," said Alexandra Hladick Bueno, who serves as Boston Children's Hospital's public relations and external communications manager.
"At the end, on the field with all the patients and players meeting each other and then fireworks, music, rain! It felt like a movie. Our patient families were elated. I had multiple patients tell me it was the best day of their life."
The Mayes announced their foundation at the end of March and began selling tickets for the Celebrity Softball Classic at Polar Park in Worcester, Mass., home of the Triple A Worcester Red Sox.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel committed to coaching Team Pats, and rosters were teased to feature Patriots Hall of Famer Julian Edelman, NHL Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara, two-time Olympic gold medalist Meghan Keller, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, and Rhode Island-based comedian Matt Rife.
Both rosters were also stacked with Patriots. Polar Park was a packed house.
"They've embraced us since I got drafted," Maye said of the crowd. "I love these fans. I love playing for them. I love getting to meet them. I'm just thankful for them being here."
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