Ball players pledge to 'Think Pink'

PINE PLAINS — The town’s recreational fields were awash in hues of pink last Sunday for the second Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event, hosted by the Pine Plains Girls Softball Association (PPGSA) and sponsored by Sharon Hospital.

This is the second year the event has been held, and Brian Croghan, the sponsorship coordinator, explained that after the success of last year’s event the size of the softball tournament doubled. This year four games were hosted, and teams from Hyde Park, Pawling and Sharon Hospital joined the PPGSA squads on the fields.

“After the success of last year, many teams wanted to join the effort,†Croghan explained.

The goal for Think Pink is to raise breast cancer awareness. There was no fundraising at the recreation park fields, only the enriching of minds: Educational information was available for players, parents and spectators alike and distributed throughout the day.

“It’s about provoking discussion,†Croghan added, “so [everyone here] realizes the importance of it.â€

As with last year, the color pink played a prominent role in the day’s proceedings. Balloons, jerseys, softballs, the chalk lines on the field, portable toilets and more all wore the color proudly. Along with Sharon Hospital, a multitude of local businesses and community groups sponsored the event.

Games started at 10 a.m., with two teams of Pine Plains’ 12-and-under category facing off against Hyde Park and Pawling. At noon the 16-and-under team stepped up to the Sharon Hospital club roster and the 2:30 p.m game pitted the two 12-and-under teams against each other.

“It can really be successful to use softball as a venue to discuss women’s health topics,† Croghan said. Sharon Hospital entered the mix because of their commitment to the cause and their informal softball club at the hospital, he said. “What a great way to connect the dots. I think it really shows their commitment to the community.â€

More information on the Pine Plains Girls Softball Association can be found online at eteamz.com/PinePlainsGirlsSoftball.

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