MLB Pros Team Up at NEPA Fit Club to Support Local Athlete
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | January 3, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
The NEPA Fit Club in Blakely, PA, became the epicenter of inspiration and community support as fans filled the gym for a special event titled "A Night With The Pros!" Local Major League Baseball talents joined forces to help raise funds and awareness for Eddie Kaufman, a Mid Valley athlete courageously battling cancer.
The event, organized by NEPA Fit Club owner and trainer Mike Marcinek, brought together MLB players and local heroes:
Max Kranick, NY Mets pitcher and Valley View alumnus ('16)
Mason Black, San Francisco Giants pitcher and Valley View alumnus ('18)
Adam Retzbach, Baltimore Orioles player and Lakeland alumnus ('19)
Ryan Cesarini, Cleveland Guardians player and Valley View alumnus ('21)
The evening featured a Q&A session where the players shared stories of their journeys to the big leagues and offered advice to young athletes. Fans also had the chance to interact with the pros during an autograph session, creating unforgettable memories for all in attendance.
A Community United
Proceeds from the event were donated directly to the Kaufman family to support Eddie in his battle against cancer. The young athlete, determined to return to the diamond at Roanoke College in Virginia after treatment, served as an inspiration to everyone present.
The turnout was overwhelming, with fans coming from Valley View, Clarks Summit, West Scranton, Lackawanna Trail, and Dunmore, demonstrating the unity and support within the local sports community. The standing-room-only crowd was a powerful reminder of how sports can bring people together for a greater purpose.
"BE STRONG WHEN YOU ARE WEAK, BRAVE WHEN YOU ARE SCARED, AND HUMBLE WHEN YOU ARE VICTORIOUS," the motto from a fans hoodie in attendance, echoed throughout the gym, inspiring attendees to rally behind Eddie and his fight.
Making a Difference
Events like "A Night With The Pros" showcase the transformative power of sports beyond the field. By coming together, local heroes and fans proved that the spirit of teamwork extends far beyond the game, offering hope and tangible support to those in need.
As the evening wrapped up, the players expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped their own careers as well as what Mike & NEPA Fit Club helped them achieve as athletes from the local area.
Eddie Kaufman’s resilience and the overwhelming support from the NEPA community are reminders of the strength found in unity and the enduring impact of compassion.
