TAMPA, May 4, 2016— To show their continued support for teammate Meredith Bissette, the USF softball team will host the “Chordoma, C “U” Later! Home Run Derby” at the USF Softball Stadium on Sunday, May 8, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The event is set to follow the baseball team's contest against Tulane, which begins at 1 p.m.
Bissette, a sophomore infielder, was recently diagnosed with cancer and is set to begin treatment in Boston later this week. Since her diagnosis, the team has supported her by hanging her No. 00 jersey in the dugout, writing her jersey number on their wrists, and using the hashtag #MereBearStrong on supportive messages on social media. The national softball community has also shown support as teams from all across the nation have posted inspiring messages to Meredith.
The Derby will consist of approximately 40 USF student-athletes, coaches and celebrity participants that will swing for the fences during a 100-minute running clock. Donation pledges will be accepted based on the number of home runs hit overall or during any of 10 “innings.”
During the event, the team will also conduct a silent auction consisting of items donated by the national softball community as well as many gracious supporters that have been touched by Meredith's inspiring story.
Some of the items that will be available to bid on are baseballs signed by major league players, a signed Lightning jersey, a Willie Taggart autographed USF football helmet, and multiple items from various universities around the nation, including BYU, Mizzou, Oklahoma and UCF.
A GoFundMe page has been established to accept donations and has already raised over $12,000 while continuing to climb daily. Supporters across the nation are able to donate online at gofundme.com/MereBearStrong. Individuals who would like to donate $500 or more are encouraged to contact Head Coach Ken Eriksen (Eriksen@usf.edu) directly.
“I want to thank everyone for the huge support I have received from friends, family, my entire USF family, the softball community, and supporters through social media,” Bissette said. “I feel like I have the confidence to overpower this cancer and it is thanks to y'all.
Chordoma, C “U” Later! Home Run Derby Timeline
1:00 PM USF Baseball vs. Tulane
Cancer, C “U” Later! Derby Timeline
4:00PM Event warm-up
Pledge tables open
Silent auction bids open
4:25PM Introductions
4:30PM Cancer, C “U” Later! begins
Derby first pitch (100 minute clock starts)
5:30PM Last call for Derby pledges
5:40PM Derby pledging ends
Silent auction bid last call
5:45PM Silent auction ends
5:50PM Silent auction winners announced, proceed to Donaldson Deck
6:09PM Cancer, C “U” Later Derby concludes
6:15PM Donors proceed to donation tables to finalize pledge amounts and fulfill donations
6:30PM Final wrap-ups and thank you's to all supporters!
1) Participants will be hitting for pledged donations during a 100-minute, running clock event.
2) This will be a 10-inning Home Run Derby with each inning lasting 10 minutes. Four hitters will participate per inning, with two hitters competing in each half inning.
3) Hitters will be placed onto two different teams (Team Green and Team Gold), based on the discretion of the event staff.
4) Each hitter will hit for two rounds, each round lasting 2:30.
5) Participants will be selected based on their direct connection to the softball program and their standing as USF student-athletes.
