Frisco charity ballgame helps kids' dreams take flight, brings hope to countless others

12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, June 12, 2008
By CHRIS COATS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

When 12-year-old Ivan Rodriguez steps onto the Whataburger Little Heroes Baseball Field at Pike Park, it becomes his field of dreams.

The star-studded event will feature sports personalities in the team lineups, including Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys, and TV stars such as Dave Annable of Brothers & Sisters.

Proceeds benefit the Children's Charities of the Heroes Foundation and the Mike Modano Foundation. More than $3 million has been raised to fund projects such as a children's cottage for abused and neglected children and sports leagues for inner-city kids.

"I live in Dallas year-round, I love it and call it my home," Mr. Modano said. "I'll do anything I can to help our communities to be a better place for kids growing up."

Mr. Modano and his financial manager, Charlie McKinney, came up with the idea for the celebrity baseball game. Proceeds from the first event were used to start a recreational baseball league called Little Heroes working with Dallas recreation centers.

Players receive free uniforms and equipment, Mr. McKinney said. Games are played at the Little Heroes field along with Dallas recreation fields. Thousands of youngsters have gone through the program, and 700 will play ball this summer.

"When kids are not in school, idle time can be dangerous time," Mr. McKinney said. "Sports programs keep kids busy and bring coaches into their lives as instant mentors."

A supporter from the start is Mr. Cuban, who said he's bringing his "new bionic hip" - courtesy of last year's hip replacement surgery - as his strength for this year's game.

"No one has seen the new bionic Mark Cuban," he said. "But I wouldn't miss the game regardless. It supports great organizations which are important to me."

At the game, fans can get up close and personal with some of their favorite sports celebrities starting at 2 p.m. with a tailgate party, followed by a home run derby. The game begins at 6 p.m.

Maria Garza, recreation specialist at Pike Park Recreation Center, will bring a van full of Little Heroes league players whom she coaches.

"A lot of these kids wouldn't be able to afford to play baseball, let alone go to a game," she said. "They see the players and leave inspired, believing anything is possible."

If you go...

What: 2008 Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game

Where: Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco (7300 Rough Riders Trail)

When: Saturday, June 28

Tickets: $5-$15 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 214-373-8000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the ballpark box office during office hours.