During the football season, the Steelers are all business. They are focused on, of course, winning the Superbowl and scoring a certain number of points per game. Unfortunately, the season comes with a lot of drama as well. Just this past year, the press put the spotlight on players dealing with substance abuse, arrests, and ugly social media wars against other teams. However, the off-season is a completely different game, literally. A short time ago, the Steelers’ very own wide receiver, Antonio Brown, put together a softball game for charity.
Brown organized a celebrity softball event at Consol Energy Park in Washington, PA to raise money for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. The ticket prices ranged anywhere from $30 to $100, depending on if fans wanted to get on the field with their favorite players or not. The event was a huge success, with its silent auction, home run derby, and finally a four inning baseball game involving Steelers teammates and even some players from the Cleveland Browns. This was the first of what Brown projects to be many charity softball games to raise money for the Children’s Hospital. It is certainly a worthy cause!
Of course, the Steelers teammates could not play a competitive sport against one another without talking some smack. Apparently, when Brown began to round up his teammates to participate in the event, a rivalry had already sparked. Ryan Shazier and Sammy Coates especially had fun ragging their other teammates. Shazier was obviously confident because of his win in the 40 yard dash not too long ago and Coates, get this, because he owned his own baseball pants. Other teammates that participated in this event were Markus Wheaton, Vince Williams, Arthur Moats, Chris Boswell, David Johnson, Roosevelt Nix, Ramon Foster, and Marcus Gilbert. Several former Steelers showed up to play at the event as well, which really goes to show the comradery that exists between these men on and off the football field.
Best of all, the teammates and fans alike all had fun while supporting this wonderful cause. While the Steelers definitely took the game seriously, they teased each other and goofed around throughout. This event gave everyone a very refreshing view of the Steelers after a tough season last year. It is so easy to get caught up in all of the negative press about the Steelers players, and therefore to forget that they are good, talented men. At the end of the day, they are dedicated to their team, their fans, and each other.