DETROIT, MI; May 17, 2017: On Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 1pm, Detroit Lion's Punter Sam Martin, with the help of defensive veteran Haloti Ngata and his teammates, will continue the tradition of the Annual Celebrity Softball Game, hosted for the last several years by retired Lion Stephen Tulloch.
Martin will be launching his new charitable organization, the Sam Martin Foundation, at the event.
This year's Celebrity Softball Game will be held at Wayne State University's Ernie Harwell Field, located at 42 W Warren Ave, in Detroit, Michigan. Gates will open at Noon, with the Home Run Derby starting at 1pm, and the Celebrity Game will immediately follow.
Team Martin will be made up of offensive Detroit Lions players, while Team Ngata will roster the Lions' Defense, who'll be looking to build a winning streak on the heels of Tulloch's defensive win last year.
"This is my first year putting on this game here in Detroit," said Martin. "I've been coming and participating in this game as long as I've been in Detroit. After talking to Tully and stepping up to take things over, I'm excited to be launching my foundation and really putting my efforts into the community here. Thanks to people like Dr. Berkowitz and Michigan Hair Restoration we are able to put on this big event for the fans and the community again, and I am grateful for their partnership, not just at this game, but throughout the whole season. My foundation launched this past offseason and this is my first official event, so to have something this big and to have this much support from the community and my teammates means a lot to me."
"I have been participating in and supporting the softball game for a few years now since Stephen Tulloch took it over," said Dr. Berkowitz, Owner of Michigan Hair Restoration. "I've met with Sam and he's shared his vision and how his foundation will be helping here in our community.
I plan to continue to be a part of his efforts and support our Detroit Lions players in their initiatives, that are also important to myself, and my family. We know that by investing in our youth and our community we will be able to make an impact for years to come."
Martin has been involved in the community since becoming a Detroit Lion by partnering with the Michigan Humane Society, Children's Hospital, COTS and other organizations around Metro Detroit. His new foundation will benefit sick children and underprivileged families, as well as animal welfare, though his love for animals and continued partnership with the Michigan Humane Society.
The Celebrity Softball Game is open to the public and admission is $10 to enter the park (children under 3 are free). The Game will have food trucks, face panting, giveaways from event partners and sponsors, music, and opportunities to meet some of Detroit's favorite athletes. Michigan Hair Restoration will be giving out FREE Detroit Lions hats to the first 500 fans through the gate. The event has become a yearly tradition for Lions fans to come out and meet their favorite players and have a fun family day together at the ballpark.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Sam Martin Foundation as well as the scholarship program for the Halodi Ngada Foundation.
