Nashville’s hottest musicians, professional athletes, comedians, and influencers recently together for a good cause: the 3rd Annual Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee.
Raised $221,000 For Military Families
The event took place on Monday, June 5 at the Nashville Sounds’ First Horizon Park and drew a sold-out crowd of over 6,000 spectators. A total of $221,000 was raised for Folds of Honor Tennessee at the event.
Team Military (captained by Jelly Roll) took home the win over Team First Responders (captained by Riley Green) with a score of 14 to 8 and Team Military, also known as “The Comeback Kids,” secured their win with an impressive six-run inning late in the game.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Eric Cattaneo was named Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP was awarded to Danae Hays.
Served As The Unofficial Kick-Off To 2023 CMA Fest
Fans had the opportunity to see their favorite artists and celebrities on the field going to bat for a good cause. It was the perfect way to kick off a busy week in Nashville as it took place just days before the official beginning of CMA Fest.
The players were eager to take part in the game as it’s a great way to give back to military families.
“My husband is a Green Beret and so is my brother and my brother-in-law. And so to be a part of this is just, it’s a full circle moment for me,” RaeLynn shared ahead of the game. “And the one thing that I love about Folds of Honor is it helps the families of fallen soldiers and that’s what makes this organization so unique. It’s important to take care of those who have taken care of us. I get emotional when I talk about it because we are all so blessed and we live in such an amazing country and so I’m proud of this organization and they do so many great things.”
Mitchell Tenpenny, who also participated in the game in 2022, said he was honored to give back to those who give so much.
“I mean, anything we can do for our military, obviously it’s the reason we get to come out here and goof around and play some baseball,” he pointed out. The sacrifices they make…My granddad was in the Air Force, come from a military family like that. So just the respect I have the utmost respect for ’em. I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve seen what they’ve done and anything we can do for military and Folds Of Honor, we’re a part of it.”
Jenner Kreifels, executive director Fold of Honor Tennessee, shared, “Our team feels blessed beyond measure with the growth of the Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Challenge. In just 3 years we’ve gone from a crowd of about 1,500 to a sellout, over 6,000 fans attending Monday night’s game; we’re speechless! Our hearts are humbled by the support of all the sponsors, celebrities, fans and volunteers to uplift the Folds of Honor mission. Over 44 life-changing scholarships were raised for deserving military and first responder families!”
Matt Frauenshuh, president of Folds of Honor Tennessee, added, “Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball grew tremendously this year in return helping our team raise over 44 scholarships for deserving military and first responder families. Echoing Jenner’s sentiments, thank you to all the celebrities, fans, sponsors, board members, and volunteers that made Monday night possible and a great success.”
See Photos From The Folds Of Honor Softball Game Below
3rd Annual Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game Participants included Riley Green, Will Compton, Brantley Gilbert, Brian Littrell, Jameson Rodgers, Chris Lane, Shawn Booth, Michael Collazo, Julia Cole, Chuck Wicks, Missy Franklin, Jerry Stackhouse, Courtney Harvey, Warren Zeiders, Scuba Steve, Jason Crabb, Jelly Roll, Michael Chandler, Eric Cattaneo, Taylor Lewan, Morgan #2, HARDY, Lunchbox, Cortland Finnegan, RaeLynn, Charles Esten, Struggle Jennings, John Crist, ERNEST, Zachary Plese, Mitchell Tenpenny, Andrew East, Danae Hayes, and Shawn Johnson.
ABOUT FOLDS OF HONOR
It began with Lt Col Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled.
As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt Col Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob.
Since that night, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through the Folds of Honor. Since 2007, we’ve provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.
Those who wish to donate to Folds Of Honor, can click HERE.
