Mason brings KU, NBA stars to KCK for charity

Before his charity softball game, Frank Mason III recognized members of the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department for their rescue last year of a 5-year-old at Mark Twain Elementary. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

NBA stars and KU greats faced the searing afternoon heat with good humor and high spirits in the Frank Mason III charity softball game played on Saturday, June 16, at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.

Mason, the consensus national college basketball player of the year at Kansas and now a member of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, held the game to raise money for the National Youth Foundation and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Jayhawk spirit was on display for much of the game, with Rock Chalk chants from the crowd and the Kansas fight song over the loudspeakers.

Fans were able to get up close with the players during games between innings, and players spent much of the game signing autographs along the outfield walls.

With the center field flags flying at half-staff, the stadium paused for a moment of silence to remember the two Wyandotte County sheriff’s deputies killed on Friday. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU and NBA player Sherron Collins was congratulated by his teammates after a home run. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Harry Giles of the Sacramento Kings, left, participated in a game of sharks-and-minnows with kids on the field after the softball game. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU player Travis Releford hit a home run as son T.J., left, watched. T.J. pinch ran for his dad on the play. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Chiefs draft pick Alphonso Hodge fielded a grounder at third base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former KU player Landen Lucas warmed up in the on-deck circle. Lucas currently plays professionally in Europe. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Kids participated in a “shoe race” on the field between innings. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former Jayhawk Wayne Selden Jr., currently with the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, rounded third base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)
Former Kansas State player Wesley Iwundu, now with the Orlando Magic, made a play at second base. (Photo copyright 2018 by Brian Turrel)