POMONA, N.Y. — The Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium featured a mix of on-field highlights and fan interaction on Saturday, with organizers saying the event raised $100,000 for the Brian Burns Family Charities. The charity’s Hype 4 Life program focuses on autism awareness, according to organizers.
Running back Cam Skattebo, coming off a fractured ankle last season, won the home run derby and homered on the first pitch he saw in the celebrity game. He trotted the bases slowly, paused near home plate and performed his trademark backflip in celebration, drawing surprise from center John Michael Schmitz.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart led the derby with seven home runs, dove and argued calls during the evening’s activities, and delivered the game-winning hit. Dart was among the most active players in the dodgeball competition against former Giants and was visibly upset after a single in his first at-bat before joking with teammates. He was surrounded by teammates after the current Giants rallied from seven runs down in the bottom of the fifth and final inning.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who is rehabbing a serious knee injury, played every inning despite limping around the bases and also hit a home run. Nabers had a second procedure earlier this year to remove scar tissue that had been causing stiffness. Coach John Harbaugh said last week Nabers’ injury was “not simple” and the team was unsure if he would be available for its Sept. 13 opener against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
Former Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. greeted fans at Clover Stadium, signing autographs and taking pictures for two hours. The event also noted a personal connection for Burns: former NFL player Stanley McClover, Burns’ older brother, has an 8-year-old son, Champ, who was diagnosed with nonverbal autism.
