For one night, Pacers players stepped off the hardwood and onto the diamond for the seventh annual Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge at Victory Field. The event, which benefits Indiana Children's Wish Fund and presented by The Tony Stewart Foundation, is a 7-inning celebrity softball game that has become one of the biggest summer events in downtown Indianapolis.
Fans have the opportunity to witness their favorite hometown Superstars battle it out in a 7-inning celebrity softball game. Players include the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers, mascots, media personalities and other sports stars.
Pacers All-Star forward Paul George co-hosted the event this year, alongside Indianapolis Colts players Robert Mathis and Dwayne Allen. The Pacers were well represented. In addition to George, current players Solomon Hill, C.J. Miles, and Shayne Whittington donned uniforms and gloves. Head coach Frank Vogel threw out the first pitch. Associate head coach Nate McMillan also took part in the game, as did a slew of former players, including Mel Daniels, Eddie Gill, Darnell Hillman, Fred Jones, and Rik Smits.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Caroline Symmes Celebrity Softball Challenge »
The Pacers contingent was joined by a slew of Colts players, former Fever player Tully Bevilaqua, former WNBA player Katie Gearlds, and several key faces in the local media, joining forces for a worthy cause.
The event is in memory of Caroline Symmes, a Wish child who was involved with the inaugural softball event and passed away in December 2009. Caroline’s parents, Elizabeth and David are honored to have Caroline’s name attached to this annual family event which promotes Indiana Children’s Wish Fund.
Proceeds from this event will help Indiana Children’s Wish Fund grant wishes to Indiana children, ages 3 -18, who suffer from a life-threatening illness. Indiana Children’s Wish Fund has granted over 3,200 wishes within the past 31 years to Indiana children. Wishes include; trips to Disney World, meeting celebrities, shopping trips, home computers and much more.
"The support we have as Pacers players and Colts players is huge," George said. "For us to give back to the community, it means the world."
A huge crowd turned out to watch the contest, and all the participants made a point of interacting with those in attendance. In addition to the softball game, a special Interactive Game area, presented by Indy’s Child, was available and included fun games, face painting, and local mascots.
“This is an amazing event, bringing together celebrities, Wish children and our community,” said Terry Ceaser-Hudson, Executive Director of Indiana Children’s Wish Fund. “Fans have the opportunity to see their favorite celebrities up close, get autographs and enjoy a fun family event.”
Stay tuned to this page for more updates, including photos and video from tonight's game.