Many high school football programs hold a fundraising golf tournament. Few, however, have the clout to bring in defending Super Bowl champions.
Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and last year’s Super Bowl MVP, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, will all be on hand from the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Flowery Branch High Touchdown Club’s annual golf tournament on Friday at Royal Lakes Golf Course in Flowery Branch.
A portion of the funds from this year’s Hines Ward Golf Benefit will help the Flowery Branch football program.
Also on hand for the tournament will include retired Steelers running back Jerome Bettis, Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes and Atlanta Falcons lineman Wayne Gandy.
The benefit was made possible with a partnership between the Spout Springs Church and the Magenta Corporation, a company that helps charities with the reputation of public figures.
G-Braves continue homestand
The Gwinnett Braves (24-20) start a four-game series against the Indianapolis Indians at 6 tonight at Gwinnett Stadium. This is the first of two series this season against the Indians, a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate who play in the International League’s Western Division.
Last week, Gwinnett received a stellar outing from top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson, who only allowed one hit and a walk over seven innings in a win against the Toledo Mud Hens. Hanson (3-3) finished the game with nine strikeouts en route to his first home win this season.
Then on Saturday, Atlanta Braves left-hander Tom Glavine made a rehab appearance with the in Gwinnett in an attempt to test his troubled throwing shoulder.
Braves take to the road
The Atlanta Braves kick off a west coast road swing today with a three-game set at the San Francisco Giants, followed by three games at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tonight, Javier Vazquez (4-3) will take the mound for the Braves against San Francisco’s Jonathan Sanchez (1-4).
On Tuesday, Kris Medlen (0-1) will get his second career start with Atlanta after a call-up two weeks ago from the G-Braves. Last week, he was on the losing end of a 9-0 defeat to the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field.
Kenshin Kawakami (3-5) takes the mound for the final game against San Francisco on Wednesday. Randy Johnson (3-4) is expected to get the start for the Giants.