ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A little baseball, a little star power and a chance to help a good cause are coming together this weekend in Asheville.
The Bats & Badges Home Run Derby, postponed last month because of rain, is back on the calendar for Sunday, Nov. 8, at HomeTrust Park. The event brings together law enforcement officers, first responders and community members to raise money for Special Olympics North Carolina.
And even if swinging for the fences isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do.
Asheville-area resident Adam Copeland, better known to professional wrestling fans as WWE Hall of Famer Edge, and his wife, fellow wrestling star Beth Phoenix, are among the big names featured in an online silent auction benefiting the cause.
Fans can bid on a World Heavyweight Championship belt signed by Copeland and inscribed with his famous nickname, “Rated R Superstar.” The belt comes with an official WWE Authentic carrying bag.
There’s also a Bats & Badges softball jersey signed by Copeland and Phoenix, along with autographed wrestling trading cards.
Copeland’s acting career is represented, too. He played Dwight Hendrickson in the Syfy supernatural drama “Haven” and has portrayed Ares in the Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” A deluxe collector’s edition of “The Lightning Thief,” signed by Copeland and inscribed “Ares,” is among the auction items.
The fundraiser is about more than autographed memorabilia, though. Sunday’s event gives the community a chance to support Special Olympics athletes while enjoying an afternoon at the ballpark.
Activities begin at 1 p.m. with a Touch-a-Truck event and raffle, giving families a chance to get an up-close look at emergency vehicles and other equipment.
An opening ceremony is scheduled for 1:50 p.m., followed by the home run derby qualifying round at 2:15 p.m. The championship round is listed for 4:05 p.m., with awards presented at 4:10 p.m.
There will also be a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses, including a YETI cooler filled with gifts, a complimentary stay at the Arras Hotel in Asheville, tickets to Biltmore Estate, museum passes and LaZoom tour tickets.
Participants must raise at least $40 to compete in the derby.
Spectator tickets are $15 through the Asheville Tourists, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina.
According to the event’s fundraising page, organizers had raised about $6,000 toward their $10,000 goal as of Wednesday morning.
The online silent auction offers everything from signed sports memorabilia to family experiences. Items will be available for viewing at the ballpark, and bidding remains open until noon Friday, Nov. 20.
The event was originally scheduled for Oct. 10 but was postponed because of rain. Asheville police said in a social media post Wednesday that better weather is expected for the rescheduled event.
Bats & Badges will be held at HomeTrust Park, 30 Buchanan Place, Asheville.
For tickets, auction bidding, donations and additional information, visit the official Bats & Badges fundraising page.
