News
A's pitchers play golf for charity
Proceeds from event benefit A's Community Fund
By Adam Loberstein / MLB.com
06/25/09 7:15 PM ET
PLEASANTON, Calif. -- The A's have played their last Interleague game in a National League ballpark, but the pitchers still were swinging away on Thursday.They were using golf clubs, though -- not baseball bats.
Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill, Vin Mazzaro, Michael Wuertz, Brad Ziegler and third baseman Jack Hannahan competed in the A's Community Fund Golf Classic at Castlewood Country Club.
The Classic's proceeds will benefit the A's Community Fund, which raises approximately $750,000 annually to support charitable organizations in the Bay Area.
The fund aims to improve educational programs, aid the underprivileged, assist in crime and drug prevention and promote health awareness.
"This is really big for our organization," Braden said. "It's nice to bring everyone out to this. It's about building a friendship with the community and our fans."
A slew of former players and current organizational staffers also were at the golf course, including Vida Blue, John "Blue Moon" Odom, manager Bob Geren and general manager Billy Beane, among others.
"I played on both sides," said Blue, referring to the time he played across the Bay with San Francisco. "I'm always compelled to participate in things like this, especially for the community. There's A's fans, Giants fans and Vida Blue fans out here."
Andrew Bailey was at the course in what he called a "meet-and-greet" capacity, calling his golf game "horrible."
"I'm not here to play," Bailey joked. "It's nice to see all the sponsors here, and it's great to get a chance to meet some of the A's fans face-to-face. ... The A's do a great job with this event. We really appreciate being a part of it."
Braden was a tad more confident than Bailey in his golf skills, picking himself to win the long drive contest. Braden finished second to bullpen coach Ron Romanick, who received a Chevron gift card and a Pepsi golf bag with the win. The event also was sponsored by State Roofing Systems of San Leandro and Union Bank.
"My baseball swing is probably better," Braden said, "but I'm more comfortable with my golf swing. It's nice because a golf ball is stationary. You don't need to worry about that 96-mph heat coming at you."
Blue took third in the long drive event, but he said that wouldn't take away from his time at the event.
"Look all around," he said. "Former teammates, the current team, former broadcasters, current broadcasters -- everyone's here. This is great."
Adam Loberstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
