The Prostate Cancer Foundation Home Run Challenge Hits it Out of the Park
In partnership with Major League Baseball, nearly $2.5 million was raised for prostate cancer research

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — August 18, 2006 —The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Home Run Challenge again teamed with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association in a nationwide slugfest, raising nearly $2.5 million for prostate cancer research.

With support from MLB teams, players, managers, coaching staffs and umpires, each home run hit in 60 select games between June 7th and June 18th raised money to fight prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in America. Since the program’s inception in 1997, the Home Run Challenge has raised more than $28 million. This year’s total number of home runs – 153 – is the second-highest number hit during this program. Forty-two home runs were hit on Father’s Day alone.

"Every year, baseball fans amaze me with their generous contributions to such important research," said Joe Torre, manager of the New York Yankees, a prostate cancer survivor and a participant in the Home Run Challenge. "This year’s campaign was outstanding and shows the collective power of baseball." 

MLB team representatives spoke about the value of prostate cancer research and encouraged fans to make a pledge by appearing in public service announcements, donating autographed merchandise and participating in stadium events. In addition, each team conducted special Home Run Challenge events including pre-game ceremonies; first pitch opportunities featuring prostate cancer survivors, researchers or advocates; public service announcements on scoreboards; and the distribution of blue ribbon temporary tattoos.

On Father’s Day, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers wore blue to show their support, and all home teams featured a special MLB/Father’s Day blue ribbon logo on batting helmets, blue ribbon ceremonial home plates, ceremonial bases and pitching rubbers as well as lineup cards.

The 2006 Home Run Challenge home run leaders were Jeff Francoeur, Justin Morneau, David Ortiz and Scott Rolen, and the team home run leader was the Detroit Tigers. The top players and managers from all six divisions participated in the Home Run Challenge. Participants included Ken Griffey Jr., Nomar Garciaparra, Tony La Russa, Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Barry Bonds, Dusty Baker and Joe Torre.

In addition, the Gillette Prostate Cancer Challenge joined the PCF and Major League Baseball to create awareness and educate men about prostate cancer during six select Home Run Challenge games. Gillette encourages men to know their risks, talk to their doctors and tell their friends.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $260 million and provided funding for prostate cancer research to more than 1,200 researchers at 100 institutions worldwide. PCF has a simple, yet urgent goal: to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. For more information, visit www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.

Contacts:

Sarah Evans
(310) 633-3012
(310) 570-4705
sevans@prostatecancerfoundation.org

Katie Lambe
(310) 570-4713
klambe@prostatecancerfoundation.org