While gossip sites like TMZ focused on a quick clip of celebrities getting rides to their hotel, their coverage missed out on the three-day charity event helmed by Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation. This is the second time the organization has partnered with Project H.E.A.L, an organization created to address challenges faced by youth in at-risk communities, and the Astros Foundation to put on a celebrity softball game. All proceeds from the game go to the Cactus Jack Foundation, Project H.E.A.L, and the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, an organization which has funded over 1 million dollars in scholarships to HBCU students.
The game pit Team Black against Team Cream and brought out celebrities like Metro Boomin, Teyana Taylor, Ne-Yo, Amber Rose, Anthony Mackie, Swae Lee, Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins, Jose & Josie Canseco Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Bregman, Jeremy Peña, Kyle Tucker, Tank Dell, Reggie Jackson, Andre Dawson, Robinson Cano, Chase B, Jeff Bagwell, Warren Moon, Scarface, Bun B, Michael Brantley, Mauricio Dubon, Andruw Jones, Gary Sheffield, CC Sabathia, Johnny Manziel, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson, Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and Trae Tha Truth.
The celebrity game kicked off the Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, a round-robin collegiate baseball classic tournament featuring Division 1 baseball teams from historically black colleges and universities. The game had fans jumping to their feet as Kiotti, from 97.9, The Box acted as master of ceremonies, giving game commentary, helping the players connect with the fans during the game, and throwing out signed merchandise to the crowd. The lighthearted game ended in a tie, as fans cheered on players like Scott (who played like it was a real game) and Teyanna Taylor (who hilariously may have been playing softball for the first time).
The event also partnered with local organizations like 100 Black Men of Houston, HISD, the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation, and others that had information booths offering free swag set up throughout Minute Maid Park.
“It’s a nice little outing. Just something quick to bring the kids out to,” said Susan Jackson as she escorted her kids through the concession area. “I get to see Bun B and Trill Burgers and they get to see whoever the rest of these people are that are too young for me to know.”
The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of Waymond Webster HBCU scholarship recipients, but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Cactus Jack Foundation, helmed by Jordan Webster, Travis Scott and the Webster family. Texan phenom CJ Stroud walked away with the MVP trophy while Houstonians walked away with a fun filled evening. With this being only the second year for the celebrity baseball game, there is wide potential for the event to gain a wider following, giving fans and the HBCU Classic participants something to look forward to every year while having an increasing impact on the communities the foundations are reaching to serve.
