Baseball Game to Honor Paralyzed Football Player

In October 2010, Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand endured a spinal cord injury during a game, leaving him paralyzed below the shoulders—and now the Somerset Patriots are trying to give back.

The team will be hosting a fundraiser in conjunction with its annual Rutgers Night during Tuesday evening's game.

“As soon as we saw Eric’s injury in the Rutgers vs. Army [Black Knights] game, we wanted to be able to gather our fan base and community together to help raise funds for his recovery,” said Marc Russinoff, vice president of public relations for the Patriots. “Money will be raised through ticket sales and in a silent auction of Rutgers items and memorabilia at the game.”

During the game, the Patriots are offering a special $10 ticket with the proceeds to go to the Eric LeGrand Believe Fund, set up by Rutgers University in his honor.

According to a release from the Patriots, LeGrand and his family will be at the ballpark, and will take part in pre-game ceremonies.

In addition, the release said, fans will have the opportunity to bid on Rutgers items, including autographed memorabilia and tickets, in a silent auction. Fans are also encouraged to wear red, the official Rutgers color.

“This is an event that we knew we wanted to host since Eric’s injury occurred last October,” said Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club, in the release. “The community has really come together to show their support for Eric and the LeGrand family, and we wanted to do a special night to bring everybody together and raise money for his recovery efforts.”

According to Russinoff, the Patriots have done fundraisers for individuals in the past, and this is no different in the effort to help others.

“We have done fundraisers for individuals in the past that have rallied a community together to help a cause,” he said. “Obviously Eric is in a different situation because of his position with Rutgers football and the national attention his injury has received.”

Russinoff said he does not know how much money will be raised for the cause, but the money will be donated to the university’s fund.

“We encourage everyone who wants to participate to get involved for this special event,” he said.

To participate in the event, call Russinoff at 908-252-0700, ext. 215, or e-mail him at mrussinoff@somersetpatriots.com.

The game will be at 7:05 p.m. at against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.