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On Saturday, August 18, 2007, a sunny 70 degree day, The 59th
Annual Artists and Writers Celebrity Softball Game was played
for charity in Herrick Park in East Hampton Village behind the
Wallace Art Gallery and the Vered Art Gallery.
This Game is a Hampton's tradition that began in 1948 with
only artists playing as part of a picnic on Sundays. The
artists included Willem de Kooning, Philip Pavia and Franz
Kline. All brought a dish and some drinks.
It was after WWII and the artists had moved to Long Island's
East End for low rent, affordable studios and a refreshing
life. They talked of art, shared food and spirits and were a
community. They were part of the emerging art world.
Writers became part of the event in the 60's and 70's,
including Irwin Shaw, James Jones and Willie Morris. This
later evolved to include actors, musicians, editors,
publishers, TV stars, Governors and a future President of The
United States - Bill Clinton.
Over the years fans have watched the likes of Peter Jennings,
George Plimpton, Ben Bradley, Rudy Giuliani, Christine
Ebersole, Bill Clinton, Paul Simon, Pele`, B.Smith, Mercedes
Reuhl, Mort Zuckerman, Dan Rattiner, Alex Baldwin, Eli Wallach,
Roy Scheider, Jerry Della Femina, Lee Minetree, Richard Wiese,
Mark Green, Bruce Weber, Mike Lupica, Donny Deutsch, Kurt
Vonnegut, Carl Bernstein, Christie Brinkley, Eric Ernst,
Matthew Broderick, James Lipton, Bert Sugar and Juliet Papa.
Leif Hope, the event's organizer for over three decades
received an award from East Hampton's Mayor Paul Rickenback.
Alison Milano is Leif's executive assistant, and photographer.
Three charities benefit from this event; East End Hospice,
East Hampton Day Care Center and Phoenix House. This year the
Artists scored a rousing win over the Writers - 13 to 5.
The managers are Leif Hope for the Artists, and Ken Auletta
for the Writers. It is truly a day of camaraderie, shared over
many years. |
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"There is no
friend, like the old friend who
has shared our morning days
No greeting like his welcome, no homage
Like his praise
Fame is the scentless sunflower, with
gaudy crown of gold,
But friendship is the breathing rose,
with sweets in every fold."
Oliver Wendell Holmes
d.1894
Looking forward to 2008 and the 60th Anniversary!!!!
For its one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball
game. |