Sports: Clinic turns into a much bigger deal

Clinic turns into a much bigger deal

By MARC TOPKIN

ST. PETERSBURG -- What started out as an idea for a baseball clinic to raise money for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks has blossomed into a charity event featuring an impressive group of Tampa Bay area sports personalities.

Bucs running back Mike Alstott, former big-league stars Wade Boggs and Dwight Gooden, pro golfer John Huston and NHL Hall of Famer Phil Esposito are among those committed to attend the Sports Supports Survivors event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Countryside Community Park and Recreation Center.

Others include former big-leaguers Darren Daulton, Von Hayes and Bobby Thigpen; Rays players Russ Johnson, Ryan Rupe and Doug Creek; former Red Sox manager Jimy Williams; Mutiny players Josh Keller and Steve Ralston; and pro wrestling manager and commentator Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. The event is being organized by former Rays catcher Mike DiFelice, with help from the staff of the Winning Inning baseball school.

Activities include a baseball clinic, autograph signings, silent auction, a moonwalk and other children games, and a police canine unit demonstration.

"Not being in uniform and seeing all the teams donating their salaries, I wanted to do something to get out there and help," said DiFelice, who was released by Arizona. "This started out small and has grown into a great event, with the support of local athletes banded together to help the cause."

There are no fees for the event, but donations will be accepted at the entrance and throughout the park.

All proceeds will go to the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Fund. "That fund directly benefits the people in need and gives the money directly to the families," DiFelice said. "Whether we raise $1 or $100,000, it goes to those people."

The park, at 2640 Sabal Springs Drive, is off Countryside Boulevard just north of the Countryside Mall. For information, or to make a donation, call (727) 797-9090.