The 13th Annual Jim "Mudcat" Grant All - Star Golf Tournament was held today at The Links at Hiawatha Landing.  The main sponsor and organizer of the event is Security Mutual Life.  It raises money for area charities and non-profit organizations and brings together over three dozen celebrities and former professional athletes.

The signature celebrity and former standout Major League pitcher is "Mudcat" Grant.  He is a member of the "Black Aces"...African-American pitchers who have won 20 or more games in a single season in the Major Leagues.  Grant won 21 games with the Minnesota Twins in 1965 and is active in numerous fund-raising and charitable events around the country.

Grant visited WNBF Morning Show Host and Sports Director Roger Neel this morning along with the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Mutual Life Bruce Boyea.  They brought with them three additional former standout professional athletes.

Al Downing was one of those guests.  He pitched for the Binghamton Triplets and went on to play with the New York Yankees , Oakland, LA Dodgers and Milwaukee.  He won 20 games with the Dodgers in 1971 when he was named National League Comeback Player of the Year.

Another guest was "The Deacon" Vernon Law.  Law was a standout for the Pittsburgh Pirates and played his entire Major League career with the Pirates.  He helped Pittsburgh win the 1960 World Series when he went 20-9.

New York Jets fans remember John Schmitt.  Schmitt played ten seasons with the New York Jets and was the starting center when Joe Namath and the Jets won the Super Bowl in 1969.  He has been a regular participant in "Mudcat's" tournament.

Proceeds from today's golf tournament will go to benefit the U.S. Military, Catholic Charities of Broome County, Boys and Girls Clubs of Binghamton, CHOW and the Broome County Urban League.

WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
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