By: Alicia Weber
New Beginnings Celebrity Softball Game was an action-packed, creative way to get community together for fundraising and fun. This is the 2nd consecutive year for the event with 36 softball players. I was excited to be part of this community event inspired by Dr. Dot Richardson and created by Sandy Farnsworth, Linda Smith, and Steve Smith of New Beginnings.
I played softball through 5th grade and I always wanted to give pitching a try, but the coaches never gave me a chance to pitch. I finally got my chance! I pitched the first inning as I represented Booty Busters Outdoor Fitness for the Rippers. Clermont business people and local celebrities alike had a fun-filled, inspiring night playing under a beautiful sky on the NTC softball field.

I went flying in the air and sliding to bases. In my competitive efforts, I accidently busted my booty with dirt and a big strawberry. I guess it complemented my Booty Busters theme.

Alicia Weber, Instructor of Booty Busters Outdoor Fitness busted booty in the softball game!

Kimberly Whitehead, pro wrestler and part of the Swamp Brothers, had her unique style to the game. Whitehead cartwheeled into home plate as she racked up points for the Rippers. The entertaining Whitehead said, “I am here because of my mother. She helps organize a lot of events and she volunteers me for these things, which is fine because I love them!”

Rick “The Reptile Guy” DeRidder and Robbie Keszey the Swamp Brother on the Crusher Team sported their wild style as they pulled a lizard out of left field! The Swamp Brothers are hoping to bring a zoo to Clermont.

Rick the Reptile Guy said, “Softball Rocks! I never played before, but this softball was so fun!”

Megan Clementi, Miss Florida USA 2010, showed everyone how to be graceful and fierce as she slugged the ball and gave everyone a run for their money. She was very happy to be part of the fundraising efforts and she tries to do as many as she can. Clementi said,”I heard about the event through Gary Tolley. He tells everybody about everything. He is phenomenal at getting people to support events and support organizations that make a difference. He has brought me out to 2 events – this is my second one and both have been celebrity related with good people that want to make a difference in community.”

As the innings progressed both teams became more confident as their reaction time and skill level increased and players churned out home runs like clockwork! It was easy to lose track of the score as one home runner after another came rolling into home plate and players were greeted by Aurelio Parra Jr. “Coach Junior” holding a big snake around his neck!
Hall of Fame Bowlers, TV and Radio Personalities, Celebrity Athletes, local doctors, business people, and community leaders produced an action-packed, entertaining softball game that resulted in community building and fundraising. The final score was 19 for the Crushers and 17 for the Rippers.

I am very happy to have had the opportunity to play in the Celebrity Softball game and I look forward to it next year! It was definitely the most entertaining and action-packed softball game I ever played in! Watch the Action-Packed Moments of 2013 Celebrity Softball Game Here:

ALICIA WEBER is recognized as the “World’s Most Prolific Female Recordsetter” and she was one of 10 selected to be in the Most Extraordinary People of Lake County, October 2013 Issue of Lake-Sumter Style Magazine. Weber is the 7th person down in Extraordinary People List. Weber has set over 20 archery fitness world records at Recordsetter and she guided archery athletes to world records too.

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