Sports
(PHOTOS) 2010 Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Softball Challenge
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Jan 26, 2010 - 11:35:11 PM

SLIDE SHOW: Photos by Tim Aylen

Paradise Island, Bahamas - The Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational added something new to the program this year and that was a Celebrity Softball Challenge which took place on January 21st.

The game was held at Paradise Harbor which is situated beside the Atlantis Tennis Center, where the beach was miraculously transformed into a baseball diamond.  Guests of Atlantis were given complementary passes and many locals were in attendance to see Michael Jordan,  their favourite celebrities and sports stars like Derek Jeter,  Alex Rodriguez,  Roger Clemens, Johnny Damon, Wayne Gretzky, Brandi Chastain, Mia Hamm. and Julius Erving.

The challenge was between two teams: Jeter, and Arod.  Chris Tucker was named the Player of the Game, however Spike Lee wowed the crowd and the other players with his prowess as a pitcher.

A presentation was made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation prior to the start of the game.

Photo: Tim Aylen

Photo: Tim Aylen

Guests enjoyed typical baseball food like hotdogs with all the fixings including sauerkraut, roast corn, ice cream, and Cracker Jacks, but of course the celebrities were hosted to the max with even more wonderful food and beverages, as only a Michael Jordan event can do. 

Sol Kerzner attended with his wife and friends, and after the American anthem was sung by pop star Shanice and the Bahamian National anthem was sung by Paula Neely , an amazing fireworks display dazzled the sky for the entire city to enjoy.  Ed Fields Kerzner International Senior Vice President of Public Affairs was the game commentator and Cedric the Entertainer was the umpire. Team Arod beat Team Jeter 8 to 1.

The American anthem was sung by pop star Shanice Photo: Tim Aylen

The Bahamian National anthem was sung by Paula Neely Photo: Tim Aylen

Spike Lee wowed the crowd and the other players with his prowess as a pitcher. Photo: Tim Aylen

The golf competition, benefiting several worthy causes including the James R. Jordan Foundation, the Butch Kerzner Summit Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as the charities of choice of the tournament's top competitors.

Since the MJCI began in 2000, over $5 million has been raised for charity and it has become one of celebrity golf's most popular events. 

Cedric the Entertainer was the umpire. Photo: Tim Aylen

Ed Fielda, Kerzner International Senior Vice President of Public Affairs was the game commentator Photo: Tim Aylen

SLIDE SHOW: Photos by Tim Aylen

Team Captains: Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez Photo: Tim Aylen

SLIDE SHOW: Women that supported the Invitation Softball game were Angie Everhart, Janet Gretzky, Brandi Chastain, and Mia Hamm. Jennifer Hudson cheered from the dugout. Photos by Tim Aylen

SLIDE SHOW: Photos by Tim Aylen

Travel for The Bahamas Weekly News Team provided by SkyBahamas Airlines

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