Pretty in pink doesn’t usually describe baseball players, unless they are the Frisco RoughRiders going to bat for The Mary Kay FoundationSM at the Third Annual Pink in the ParkSM on May 8, 2010. With more than 10,500 fans cheering them on, the ‘Riders, the AA Affiliate of the Texas Rangers, partnered with the Foundation to raise a phenomenal $ 6,000 and beat the Midland RockHounds 3-1 at the Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.
Pink Cadillacs graced the home plate ballpark entrance and a Foundation information table stood just inside the gates. Fans in pink shirts and baseball caps filled the stands. Catching the spirit, the RoughRiders players and coaches sported limited-edition bright pink jerseys, which were auctioned off to help raise funds.
But Marcus Lemon’s pink shirt never even hit the auction table. In a generous pre-game act of support, his mom bought it. “My auntie is a breast cancer survivor, so for me this is personal,” says Marcus, the game’s left fielder and son of former Major League All-Star Chet Lemon. “Wearing pink is more about what the shirts represent. It’s about helping. Many people can relate to the causes of the Foundation because of their experiences. It matters a lot to me.”
“I hope we help a lot of women with the game tonight,” adds ‘Riders pitcher Kasey Kiker. “I’m glad to be involved. It feels great being involved with this Foundation.”
Debby Patton, who recently celebrated 25 years with Mary Kay Inc. and currently works in the Special Events Department, directed 12 members of the Mary Kay Choir on the infield as they opened the game with a stunning national anthem. “It’s so exciting to sing in a public venue and represent the company,” states Debby. “We’ve been rehearsing a month for this special occasion. It’s great seeing all the pink at the ballpark. Mary Kay would have been so proud.”
Independent Sales Director Denise Basden, whose adoptees honored her by selling the most game tickets, threw the first pitch. “I’m not known for my pitching skills,” remarks Denise. “But I’ll do anything for the team!”
“I am more in love with Mary Kay every year because of what the Company stands for. I feel like I have Mary Kay sisters and family everywhere. What I love most about what I do is that I am always helping women.”
Independent National Sales Director Jill Moore agrees. “Mary Kay does a really good job of empowering women in so many ways,” she says. “I am a huge fan of the Company and the Foundation because I experienced domestic violence in a previous marriage.”
“This is a great way to further support the Foundation. We love the RoughRiders, and we love this ballpark. It’s great family fun!
Attending her third Pink in the ParkSM, Independent Executive National Sales Director Wanda Dalby remarks, “It’s wonderful to support a Company that is committed to help eliminate domestic violence and cancers affecting women. This is a fun event that raises awareness. And, I love those pink jerseys—they really stand out!
Speaking of pink jerseys, that’s exactly how ‘Riders infielder Johnny Whittleman sees it. “Any time one gets to represent a foundation like this, it’s a good thing. Pink is a good color—the jerseys sure stand out. We’re making it fun!”
“Tough guys wear pink,” sums up Blake Beavan, ‘Riders opening day pitcher who hails from Irving, Texas. “It’s cool to wear pink! It’s for a good cause and it’s a good thing to reach out this way to help.”
“The RoughRiders are proud to partner with The Mary Kay FoundationSM for a fun event to support an important cause,” states Senior Vice President for the RoughRiders Michael Byrnes. “The pink jerseys on our players and pink hats worn by many fans throughout Dr Pepper Ballpark helped us bring awareness to The Mary Kay FoundationSM's goal of eliminating cancer and violence against women.”
“We are proud to have assisted the Foundation in raising more than $19,000 in the three years we've hosted Pink in the ParkSM.”
The Foundation thanks the Frisco RoughRiders and all involved who stepped up to the plate to make Pink in the ParkSM a Texas-sized grand slam!