RELEASE DATE: 4/19/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mansfield University Athletics and Joel Stephens Tournament Team Up to Sponsor Hitting For Books for Warren L. Miller Elementary School this Saturday

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University Athletics and the Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament have teamed up to sponsor “Hitting for Books” this Saturday, April 21 at the Mountaineer home baseball and softball doubleheaders.

The two organizations have combined to pledge at least $1,000 to help replace books and supplies lost in the recent fire at W.L. Miller Elementary School.

Between games of Saturday’s baseball doubleheader against East Stroudsburg, Mansfield University head baseball coach Harry Hillson and Warren L. Miller Elementary School Head Teacher Sam Rotella will compete in a hitting contest.

Both will get ten pitches to hit balls out of the infield with each ball worth $25. All money will go to Warren L. Miller Elementary School.

At the Mountaineers softball game at Helen Lutes Field the Mansfield Little League Minor Softball team will have batting practice following the Mountaineers doubleheader with East Stroudsburg with each ball worth $5.

Fans attending the games can also help with donations of money or elementary level reading books.

Members of Mansfield University’s Student Athletic Advisory (SAAC) will be on hand at both fields to collect donations.

The baseball doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. at Shaute Field with the hitting contest to be held at the conclusion of the first game.

The softball doubleheader at Lutes Field also starts at 12 p.m. with the second game starting at approximately 2 p.m. The Mansfield Little League Minor Softball team will hit at the conclusion of the second game.

Mansfield University athletics as well as the Mountaineer baseball, softball, and other athletic teams will donate money from their fund raising accounts.

The Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament distributes thousands of dollars annually to area charities from money raised during the annual Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament held in Mansfield.