Former players flock to celebrity golf classic

The tournament, which benefits the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and the Cool Kids Campaign, was extended from two days this year.

“We had noidea what to expect,” said tournament director Adam Gladstone of turnout. Gladstone said that the longer tournament was a chance to raise more money for the charities. “It was a great opportunity for fans to come out and see people who have made a name for themselves in another field.”

The tournament included over 50 celebrities who ranged from former Major Leaguers to NHL stars to actors. The Belanger-Orioles connection brought several former Orioles back to Baltimore to help out the charity.

Bobby Bonilla, like Belanger did, works for the Major League Baseball Players Association. He said he remembers Belanger?s tremendous skill at shortstop and his success against Nolan Ryan. “It is wonderful to be able to give back and come back and do it in Baltimore,” Bonilla said.

“I have a lot of great memories of living in the Inner Harbor and walking to the ballpark,” Bonilla said. “That was the only time I ever walked to work. I wish my stay had been a bit longer.”

“Being a former Oriole and knowing Mark and what he did for us through the Players Association is something very special to me,” former catcher Mickey Tettleton said. “Baltimore has always been a special place to me. The golf is fun, but more importantly, it is being able to come in here and give back to the charities.”

A battery mate, Gregg Olson shared that sentiment.

“It?s great to be able to help out, I love the opportunity,” Olson said.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

» Bonilla lives in Connecticut and works for the MLBPA. He has played on the celebrity golf tour for three years and says that he has a handicap around 14.

» Olson lives in Newport Beach, Ca. He recently started a business that books corporate golf outings with celebrities.