Hopefully the security team for the Dodgers will run interference just to make triple sure Loney doesn’t sprain his hand or anything during a handshake with an overly enthusiastic fan.  Afterall, he’s got a game against the Nationals that night at the Ravine!

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2010

This Saturday, Dodger fans are going to have the chance to see and meet many of the club’s legends in a special charity softball game being organized by former Dodger Steve Garvey.  The event is called “Steve Garvey’s Celebrity Softball Classic and Family Fun Festival” and is taking place this Saturday, July 10, at Edy D Field Stadium at Pepperdine University.

From 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., fans will have the chance to meet and take pictures with several notable Dodger legends, as well as enjoy food and baseball memorabilia booths, a rock-climbing wall, dog adoptions, a dunk-an-ump booth, a speed pitch booth and (brace yourself) an opportunity to meet Tillman, the world’s most famous skateboarding and snowboarding bulldog!

Former Dodgers participating in the day-long event include Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Maury Wills, Jay Johnstone, Kenny Landreaux, Jerry Reuss, Steve Yaeger, Bobby Castillo, Lee Lacy, Rudy Law, Derrell Thomas, Todd Zeile and Mike Leiberthal.

Now, that’s one hell of a collection of former Dodger players.  Now if you’re like me, you’re asking yourself who they’re playing against.  The line-up for the Strikeout ALS All-Star Team includes Pete Rose, Jose Canseco, James Denton, Michael Clarke Duncan, ESPN SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett, actors James Denton, Verne Troyer, Carl Weathers, Greg Finley, Logan Huffman and my personal favorite: singer/actress/model Sophie Monk.

I know, I know…there are SO many jokes about this collection of “All-Stars”, but I will maintain my blogger integrity and refrain.  Apparently this is the first time Pete Rose has swung a bat in public since retiring.  He’s not going to run, however.  What happened to Charlie Hustle?  I mean, if Garvey and Russell can still run around the bases, certainly Rose can, right?

Per the press release, a pro/celebrity home run derby starts at 5:00 p.m., folowed by The Steve Garvey Celebrity Softball Classic at 6 p.m.

Also, according to my sources, Ron Cey and Maury Wills will be the coaches at first and third base.  Reuss will pitch, Garvey will play first and manage, Russell will be at short and Yeager behind the plate.  Zeille and Lieberthal will have to generate most of the offense and will play at third and second base, respectively.  The remainder of the Dodger players will rotate in the outfield.  Rumor has it there may be a couple of “current Dodgers” attending and/or participating, but this is contingent on a timely conclusion to the Dodgers 1:00 p.m. game on Saturday.

All money raised during the event benefits the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the ALS Association. ALS is an incurable neuromuscular disease which is best known for claiming the life of legendary Yankee Lou Gehrig. The ALS Association offers free services and support to people suffering from the disease as well as being the largest privately funded research drive to find a cure.

Admission to the Fan Fest is free, and tickets to the softball game are $20 for adults and $10 for kids.  Tickets are available at www.eddiestickets.com.  For additional information, contact Giovanna at The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association at (818) 865-8067.