Play for 4 Having Impact Around United States

And... You Can Help

2nd Annual Play for 4 Golf and Social on July 26

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO - I caught up with Scott Schlesner and Steve Plitt in the middle of the "Play for 4" Fourth of July Baseball Tournament.

They both made Perry Mason winning arguments for the need for children, especially little league pitchers, to wear fielding helmets. Their message is beginning to be heard all around the United States. Schlesner can give a first hand account of the need, and Plitt described the helmet the Cincinnati STIX now wear.

The Play for 4 organization and the Cincinnati STIX hosted their 1st annual baseball tournament in Loveland. The fund raising games were being played at Phillips Park, the Loveland Middle and High School Schools, and on Stottman field in Kiwanis Park. In mid stream, Slottman field had to be closed because that is where the City's annual fireworks are set off, but those remaining games were quickly moved to Riverview Park. There were 38 teams in the 9u ,13u and 15u age divisions. Teams came from around Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Play for 4 is a non-profit organization that was established in 2009 after Cole Schlesner, a 14 year old from Loveland, wearing #4 on his jersey, was struck in the head by a line-drive while pitching on Stottman Field. Cole suffered a traumatic brain injury and was air-lifted to Cincinnati Children’s hospital for life saving surgery. Cole survived and continues his journey to a complete recovery. Play for 4 raises funds to provide financial assistance for adolescents who suffer traumatic brain injuries due to an athletic related activity.

Play for 4 has now raised enough money to help children and families all around the United States pay medical bills and help with other needs that arise when trauma strikes unexpectedly.

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE VIDEO Schlesner and Plitt talk about another important aspect of what the organization does. They are raising awareness locally and around the country about the need for children playing little league baseball to wear protective head gear, especially pitchers who are so vulnerable like Cole Schlesner was when the hardball he just pitched came flying back at him off of an aluminum bat, incredibly faster than the ball he threw to the batter.

Play for 4 is donating fielding helmets and raising awareness as fast as they can raise money.

That's where you come in... Their first golf and social outing has turned into a second. On July 26 at the Oasis country club you can play rounds of golf either in the morning with breakfast or afternoon with lunch. You can also just attend the Social in the late afternoon. Last year the country club ball room was filled with your neighbors and sport celebrities, nice auction items, good food and drink, and and great entertainment.

Click HERE for all the info about the Golf and Social on July 26.