Patrick Chalvire/Asst. Sports Director
The FIU Baseball Stadium played host to the first annual Jimmy Wilson’s Celebrity Softball Charity Game, June 14, to benefit the Above .500 Foundation.
Wilson teamed up with the foundation and came up with the idea of a softball event as a new way to give back to the community.
“I wanted to put one on, something that will help the kids,” Wilson said.
He is a four-year safety with the Miami Dolphins.
The afternoon included meet and greets with players, a Home Run Derby competition and the softball game. Teams were split between Teal and White, with the Teal team winning 7-6.
Above .500 Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to using sports and education to encourage middle and high school students to lead positive lives.
Wilson has faced adversity since his time at Montana University. Before his senior year with the Grizzlies, he was arrested for shooting his aunt’s boyfriend to death during an argument back in June of 2007.
Once Wilson was acquitted in 2009, he faced what seemed to be another ending to his football career. In August of 2010, Wilson was accused of biting a woman’s leg while they were in a car with friends after a night out. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a downgrade from misdemeanor assault and was suspended for one game.
Despite all the negativity that has occurred in his life, Wilson has taken his role as a NFL player and has used his life lessons to educate the youth on being smart and sticking to their goals.
“To be able to bring some professionals to these schools and let them see professionals that been through similar situations as them,” Wilson said. “Whether it be the circumstance or whatever, kids don’t make it to their full potential.”
For the inaugural event, Wilson was joined by family and several teammates, including Mike Pouncey, Brent Grimes, Lamar Miller, Jamar Taylor, Olivier Vernon, Dion Jordan, Reshad Jones, Jason Fox, Koa Misi and others.
“I’m just glad I got the support of my teammates, they’re like my brothers, we’re together every day so it’s good to see them out here and having fun,” Wilson said.
Several local celebrities were also invited to the event, including FIU alum and WSVN-7 Sports Reporter Donovan Campbell.
“Anytime you get a chance to come back to FIU for anything, I’m always honored and blessed and this is my alumni,” Campbell said.
“Anytime you can do a charity event it’s great and when you get a chance to get invited as a reporter to come and play with them, the Dolphins, a team you cover, that’s always a great feeling,” Campbell added. “I think I was one of two media members to be invited so you gotta feel honored and blessed to be a part of that.”
Photos by Rhys Williams and Patrick Chalvire.