“I wanted something different, something a little more relaxing and something fun,” said Batch. “When I talk with the guys on the team everyone is so competitive no matter what we are talking about, everything from shooting pool, to bowling to basketball. Guys are so competitive. I wanted to put something together to make the night a little more special and different.”

Fans had a unique opportunity to compete against the players depending on the type of ticket they purchased for the event, so there was a lot of pride on the line.

“Any time you can come out and have a fun event like this is great,” said Ward, who has a pool table at home. “The guys are here competing in pool and ping pong. It’s a great event. The fans like to see how competitive we are. It’s a chance for them to get a chance to go out and beat us. I brought my A game with me.”

The event also include a silent and live auction, featuring such unique items as a pool table signed by approximately 25 current and former Steelers players who were on hand at the event, including Harris and Jerome Bettis. Also auctioned off as a package each were the autographed jerseys of the starting offense and defense.

All of the proceeds from the event benefit Batch’s foundation, which is in the process of building a computer literacy lab.

“That is more important than anything, that it is a great cause,” said Batch. “We understand the reading scores around the state are low and I want to do my part to help raise those scores.”