After the close of a stellar major league baseball season, BJ and Justin Upton are coming home to host Friends of the Portsmouth Juvenile Court’s (FRIENDS) second annual Local Legends on the Links golf classic.
At an early age BJ and Justin developed a passion for the game of baseball and they had no reservations about sharing their love of it. By combining two of the things they were most enthusiastic about, playing ball and helping youth, the brothers became young role models. They served as mentors, spoke to groups of school kids and taught baseball at several youth camps.
BJ’s and Justin’s professional baseball career started with a bang. BJ who plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays was the second overall pick for major league baseball and Justin, right fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks was first overall pick. This season, the Chesapeake natives did not disappoint their fans. BJ was named fifth in the history of major league baseball to hit 20 home runs, steal 20 bases and have a season batting average of 300 before the age of 24. In addition to being named USA Today’s minor league player of the year, 19 year old Justin was called up to the majors on August 2. Also, Justin's team, the Arizona Diamondbacks are going to the playoffs! Here’s a bit of baseball trivia for you. BJ was called to the majors at age 19 on August 2, 2004; that’s three years to the day that Justin was called. What is also interesting? The boys are three years apart. Now, what does all this mean? Who knows, but it’s interesting!
As BJ and Justin are growing into very successful athletes, they have not forgotten the sense of loyalty and community instilled in them by their parents, Emanuel and Yvonne Upton. Since they were raised in a very close and supportive family, they understand what it means to have someone in your corner and they believe every kid deserves that. Supporting FRIENDS is their way of extending this belief and creating more possibilities for at risk youth. Emanuel, chairman of Local Legends on the Links, shares the sentiments of both he and Yvonne when he says that they are “...very proud of the boys. We are happy to see that BJ and Justin want to give back and help youth become better individuals.”
When BJ and Justin return home on Monday, November 5 to host Local Legends on the Links, they will not be coming alone. They will bring a few of their major league buddies: Mike Cuddyer, Scott Kazmir, Anthony Martinez, Mark Reynolds, David Wright, Chris Young and Ryan Zimmerman. All of these athletes will participate in the golf tournament as well as the celebration dinner and auction which follows. To mention a few, auction items will include signed jerseys from all of the athletes that are coming to the tournament as well as items from Derek Jeter, Roger Clemmons, Torii Hunter, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Brandon Webb.
The tournament will be held at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course in Portsmouth, Virginia. Tee-off is at 11 a.m. and the Tony Mercurio Show will broadcast live during the event 3-6 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1310. The entry fee for individual gofers is $150. This includes green fees, a cart, range use, prizes, a ticket to the closing celebration and dinner and a goody bag. Tickets for the closing celebration and auction are $25/person. Several sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Shawn Reid for details 397.2799, extension 103 or info@fopjc.org. Proceeds from Local Legends on the Links will support kids right here in the local community.
