In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are set to host a charity baseball game on November 2nd, 2024. The event will feature the App State and UNC Asheville baseball teams, with all proceeds going towards hurricane relief efforts at both universities. This collaborative effort aims to not only raise crucial funds, but also provide a much-needed respite for the student-athletes and their communities as they work to recover from the recent natural disaster.

Uniting Through America's Pastime

Rallying for a Cause

The upcoming charity baseball game is more than just a friendly competition on the diamond. It represents a powerful symbol of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The Cannon Ballers, along with the App State and UNC Asheville baseball programs, have come together to organize this event with the sole purpose of supporting their communities during a time of need. By channeling the unifying power of baseball, they hope to inspire hope and raise vital funds to aid in the recovery efforts.The decision to host this game was not made lightly. In the aftermath of the recent hurricane, both universities have been grappling with the immense challenges of rebuilding and supporting their students and faculty. The Cannon Ballers recognized the importance of stepping up and offering a platform to help these affected communities. "Since the very first conversation with Matt Millward, he has been all-in on bringing two affected universities and baseball programs together," said App State head coach Kermit Smith. "We are all hopeful that this day can not only raise necessary funds for both communities, but can also allow our student-athletes an opportunity to have some normalcy and let the two powerful words 'play ball' provide just a little bit of healing."

A Shared Commitment to Recovery

The partnership between the Cannon Ballers, App State, and UNC Asheville extends beyond the baseball diamond. All proceeds from the event will be directly channeled into the Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund and the UNC Asheville Athletics Disaster Relief Fund, ensuring that the funds raised will have a tangible impact on the recovery efforts. "We can't say thank you enough to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and Matt Millward for their generosity," expressed Asheville head coach Scott Friedholm. "We also want to thank Kermit Smith and App State Baseball for helping put this all together. After the past five weeks for our team, a chance to feel a day of 'normalcy' is a great opportunity. We hope to return to Asheville soon and be back with our community as we rebuild."

A Day of Healing and Resilience

The charity baseball game promises to be more than just a sporting event. It will serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community. The student-athletes from both universities will have the opportunity to take a break from the challenges they have been facing and immerse themselves in the joy and camaraderie of the game they love. "We are all hopeful that this day can not only raise necessary funds for both communities, but can also allow our student-athletes an opportunity to have some normalcy and let the two powerful words 'play ball' provide just a little bit of healing," said Coach Smith.As the Cannon Ballers, App State, and UNC Asheville come together for this momentous event, they are not only raising funds for a crucial cause, but also fostering a sense of unity and resilience that will undoubtedly inspire others. The power of baseball to bring people together, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to the enduring spirit of the human experience.