Ex-ballplayer makes pitch for kids

Jim "Mudcat" Grant is organizing a fundraiser for the Lacoochee Boys and Girls Club. A celebrity golf tournament and auction are among the events planned.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 19, 2000

DADE CITY -- Jim "Mudcat" Grant may be best known for his strikeouts and a World Series home run, but he's counting on his putt and drive to help his hometown Boys and Girls Club.

Grant, a retired Major League Baseball player and a native of Lacoochee, is moving ahead with plans to host a major fundraising weekend of celebrity golf, auctions, feasts and baseball clinics to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Pasco.

The event is scheduled for August, and Grant said he hopes to lure Hall of Fame players Gaylord Perry, Furguson Jenkins and Bob Feler along with a host of other retired big leaguers, Orlando Magic basketball players and even some football notables.

With a weekend of fun, Grant said, he hopes to highlight the plight of children in east Pasco's small community of Lacoochee.

"We want to tell a story, and we want to tug at some heartstrings," he said.

Meeting at downtown's Adrian's Grill with a volunteer advisory board that includes local merchants, Boys and Girls Club of Pasco director Pennie Anderson and Commissioner-elect Lowell Harris, Grant laid out his plan for August 24-26.

The plan calls for a dinner, a roast of Grant and an auction of donated items, including a trip to Hawaii, sports memorabilia and a baseball bat signed by Pete Rose. There will also be a golf tournament with retired professional baseball players and other sports figures.

Anderson said there is no target amount for the fundraiser, but she said the group is looking for a sustainable event that could contribute year after year. The group this year obtained a $41,000 state grant to operate the Lacoochee club and is constantly seeking money to expand programs.

Eventually, Anderson said, she would like to be able to offer a swimming pool and a variety of sports for boys and girls.

Grant played Major League baseball from 1958 to 1971 with seven teams, including the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins, where he hit a three-run home run in the World Series. He said he has been looking for ways to give back to his hometown. Putting together a major golf event is not easy, he said, but the rewards would be great.

"This is a blessing," he said. "I would do this no matter what. It's a great opportunity to help the community."

Want to help?

Business and individuals interested in sponsoring a hole or any other part of the weekend, or interested in donating items for the charity auction, may call Regina Dudley or Pennie Anderson at (727) 842-5673. Golfers interested in signing up for the tournament should call Pete Odom at (352) 567-1919.

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