Sports and Spotlight: Kyler Murray's Celebrity Softball Game Shines for a Cause

Dallas Cowboys wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are in gear before the Kyler Murray Foundation game.

Reporters: Laila Morales and Rei Tedoco

Scottsdale, Ariz. - From the field to the court to the social media world, Kyler Murray's celebrity softball game hit the ground running with its inauguration at Salt River Fields.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray focused on giving back to others with the Kyler Murray Foundation. While supporting the community, he aids children with pediatric cancer, underserved youth, and veterans. On May 17,

At the event, fans and community members had a chance to bring canned goods to donate to the United Food Bank.

With the excitement of bringing the community together, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathon Gannon made an appearance.

"Kyler does so much for the community. It's awesome to see the support, and it'll be a fun evening for a really good cause," Gannon said.

Showcasing two teams, the Red team and White team, Murray had a selection of current and former athletes, entertainers, and upcoming musicians, all in support of helping others.

Current Chicago Bulls shooting guard Dalen Terry is a participant in the game. An Arizona native, he comes back to the Valley to show his care for the community.

"This is a surreal feeling being here for the city. Kyler's putting on a good event for the city. I've never played baseball before," Terry said. "I have high expectations, ten out of ten. I'm looking to get my jersey dirty."

Joining Terry on the Red Team includes Dallas Cowboys, wide receivers Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens. Some other stars are Asher Angel- actor and musician, former professional softball player, AJ Andrews, and rapper Roy Woods. For the White team, Brooklyn Nets player Cameron Johnson, Arizona Cardinals player Trey McBride, and upcoming entertainer and internet personality, Rubi Rose, made appearances.

"I feel good, I feel like we are going to win. I'm not here to play around. I get it is family-friendly, but I'm a competitor," Lamb said in a pregame interview. Lamb's energy helped lead a team of stars to build confidence in this community-oriented game.

Other key players to make this event all worthwhile include volunteers for the Kyler Murray Foundation. The volunteers were placed to help with checking people in, getting VIPs to their sections, and making sure all ran smoothly.

One volunteer, Jackie Macchirella Howell, said, " When I heard about this event and I know that Kyler Murray cares a lot about children. I also care a lot about children." Macchierella Howell works in a Title I school, which emphasizes her passion for helping others.

"If it's for the kids, I'm all about that," Macchierlla Howell said.

The event in all would not be complete without the support of Kyler Murray's fans. One attendee, Desiree Flores, came out with one of her best friends and supported some of the former Suns players who were competing.

"I think this is a great thing to do, especially with all the different players brings a lot more traction to the event. And it's going to a good cause," Flores said.

With the game starting at 5:30 p.m., the stadium at Talking Stick was filled with community members ranging from youth to the elderly. From a couple of missed swings and a home run, these players locked in for the community to celebrate helping others.

Coming out on top was the White team in the seven-inning stretch, winning 8-to-7. With fun, family, and a foundation, this event allowed people to come together in support of a greater cause through a slow-pitch softball game.

Former Arizona Cardinals player turned coach of the Red team for the event, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., praises Kyler Murray and the work that his foundation is doing.

"It's so important for your local athletes and people whom the kids look up to, to really feel the support. What he is doing through the foundation and how he is showing up for others, really means a lot," Fitzgerald Jr. said.

As the inaugural game is completed, Kyler Murray is not finished with his philanthropic efforts. For more information on how to get involved with the foundation, take a visit at thekylermurrayfoundation.org.

Pregame Q/A with reporter Laila Morales with Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets

Laila Morales interviewing Cameron Johnson

LM: "How are we feeling about the game today?"

Cameron Johnson: "Oh, awesome. I know we are playing a good game for a good cause. I'm on the white team, Kyler's team. I think that's a good start for us."

LM: "How is for you to be back in the Valley?"

Cameron Johnson: "Oh, it is awesome. I love being here. It's a second home for me."

LM: "How do you feel about the community coming out to support this cause?"

Cameron Johnson: "It's a great crowd so far. People are filtering in. I love it, I appreciate everyone who's here. I see a Brooklyn and Phoenix Suns jersey, and I'm about to say hello."

Pregame Q/A with reporter Rei Tedoco with AJ Andrews, former professional softball player

Reporter, Rei Tedoco interviews AJ Andrews

RT: "How are you feeling to be out here?"

AJ Andrews: "I'm good! I'm excited. I'm going to show these boys what to do."

RT: " You're the pro, this is your sport. How have you been preparing for this and what does the community mean to you?"

AJ Andrews: "Well, you know, this is very different. Slow pitch versus what we face is fast-pitch. People think it's easier for us but it's actually like trying to hit a change-up times thirty. So I've just really been working on waiting, waiting, waiting and then going. We are going to see how that practice entails. I think it's awesome that Kyler can bring out the community in Arizona. It's just a big softball community and so much fun. I'm excited to show out for all the girls and guys out here!"

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Contact the Reporters:

Rei Tedoco, President

Culture and Sports reporter

rtedoco@asu.edu

Laila Morales

Sports Desk

lmoral27@asu.edu