Over 1.9 million Americans suffer from cancer. As this can be one of the most deadly diseases, people from around the world raise money to help those suffering. One of these foundations is named The Jason Motte Foundation.

This foundation started in 2010 when Caitlin Motte’s grandfather, Jason Motte, was diagnosed with cancer. The foundation brings the love of baseball in while also raising money. That’s where the friendly rivalry of the Hampshire and McHenry boys takes a pause as we “strike out cancer.”

“The goal is to raise money to help fight cancer,” coach Brian Rockweiler says. “Also, to help bring awareness of the different types of cancer that affect all of us in some way or another. Hampshire High School started this 9 years ago. All of the money raised goes to The Jason Motte Foundation.”

The varsity baseball team has been doing this for nine years and is proud to be helping.

“This event means a lot to me,” senior Owen Micklinghoff says “It’s something different that most teams don’t do and it’s cool to be a part of.”

The Strike Out Cancer game won’t run like a normal game. With food and raffles this baseball game is one of the most interactive.

“During the event, we play everyone and everyone gets a chance to play in the field,” senior Payton Sensabaugh says. “There are new pitchers every innings and we swing different color wood bats that all represent different cancers. There will be an announcer that will announce what color bat we are swinging and what cancer it represents.”

Not only does this event mean a lot to the players, it touches other memories for others. Sienna Begley, the team’s manager, says this event hits close to home for her.

“ My grandfather died from lung cancer, so this event means so much more to me,” Begley says.” Baseball is something that has always brought my family together, and seeing a community come together to raise money and support high school baseball is so meaningful. My brother was able to hit with the lung cancer awareness bat, and my dad won it in a raffle to present to him(my brother). That moment on the field was something I will never forget.”

Baseball means something different to everyone, to the players, it’s their life. To the spectators it’s a game but, on May 17 ,baseball will mean helping others. All of the profits made will go to the Jason Motte foundation.