Jason Colthorp to swing for the fences in charity home run derby -- how to donate

14th annual Michigan Softball Academy kicks off Thursday

Local 4's Jason Colthorp is participating in the 2023 Michigan Softball Academy Celebrity Home Run Derby (Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The 14th annual Michigan Softball Academy is happening Thursday, and Local 4′s Jason Colthorp is participating in the Celebrity Home Run Derby.

The annual fundraiser, sponsored by the University of Michigan women’s softball team, benefits the American Cancer Society and funds breast cancer treatments and research in Ann Arbor and throughout Southeast Michigan.

During this year’s event, volunteer team captains and their registered team members will participate in a fantasy camp of sorts on Alumni Field at Carol Hutchins Stadium in Ann Arbor. Participants will spend the evening interacting with University of Michigan softball student athletes, who will teach tips and tricks for throwing, hitting, pitching, catching, running the bases, and sliding.

This year, for the third time in the event’s history, a home run derby will be held at the conclusion of the on-field portion of the event. Local 4′s Jason Colthorp will show off his best softball slugging skills against former Michigan Football quarterback Devin Gardner, and Michigan Football play-by-play voice Doug Karsch.

The celebrity with the most money raised by 5 p.m. on April 27 will win home field advantage -- choice of batting first or last -- for the celebrity derby.

Click here to donate to Jason Colthorp’s fundraising page and help him secure home field advantage.


Click here to learn more about the event and how to participate.


Recommended Videos