2010 Press Release

14th Annual Home Run Challenge Raised Funds for Prostate Cancer Research

Santa Monica, CA, June 25, 2010 —– Major League Baseball players hit 112 homeruns between June 6, 2010 and Father’s Day, June 20, 2010, raising over $2.2 million dollars for the 14th Annual Home Run Challenge. The Home Run Challenge is a partnership between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and raises crucial funds for prostate cancer research.

During the Home Run Challenge, MLB and PCF encouraged baseball fans to make a pledge, ranging from $0.10 to $10, for every home run hit during select games. This year 112 home runs were hit, raising over $2.2 million for accelerated research and scientific discovery that can lead to better treatments and cures.

“We are dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for prostate cancer,” says Michael Milken, founder and chairman of the PCF. “This year’s Home Run Challenge will help make tremendous progress towards this goal thanks in part to Major League Baseball, the Players Association and baseball fans everywhere who showed enormous support and generosity year after year.”

“Since its inception, the Home Run Challenge has raised nearly $36 million; we’re looking forward to adding to this total in 2011,” Milken added.

One out of six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, making it the most common non-skin cancer in America. In the time it takes to play nine innings of baseball, 63 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and nine men will die from the disease.

To show their support, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers wore blue wristbands and blue ribbon decals on Father’s Day. There were also blue jewels on bases and some teams had blue awareness ribbons placed on the field. In addition, teams showed their support in a variety of ways including hosting pre-game ceremonies, running public service announcements, holding auctions and donating tickets.

A number of key past and present players signed on to actively promote this year’s program including retired player co-chairs: Terry Steinbach, Tim Salmon, Sean Casey and Robin Ventura as well as current player co-chairs: Derrek Lee, Scott Rolen, Jason Giambi, Todd Helton, Lance Berkman, Jason Kendall, Torii Hunter, Jim Thome, Aaron Rowand, Mike Sweeney, Carlos Peña and Ryan Zimmerman.

In addition, each team had a designated player representative, including Conor Jackson, Chipper Jones, Nate McLouth, Cesar Izturis, Nick Markakis, Miguel Tejada, Mike Cameron, David Ortiz, Paul Konerko, Mark Teahen, Jay Bruce, Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Inge, Jorge Cantu, Billy Butler, Jose Guillen, Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Joe Mauer, Jason Bay, Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, Kurt Suzuki, Chase Utley, Ryan Doumit, Jason LaRue, Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, Will Venable, Jack Wilson, Michael Young and Vernon Wells.

Lead managers for the 2010 Home Run Challenge include Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox, Ron Gardenhire, Ozzie Guillen, Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker, Mike Scioscia, Lou Piniella, Jim Tracy, Manny Acta, Charlie Manuel, Ron Washington, Terry Francona, Bud Black, Joe Maddon, Joe Girardi, Don Wakamatsu and Jerry Manuel.

To make an additional donation to the Home Run Challenge, click here.