HOMER CITY–At 7:17 p.m., the bright lights over First Commonwealth Field became noticeable for the first time against the rapidly darkening sky. It was official — Homer-Center and Indiana were playing night baseball. The two teams met at Homer-Center’s home field last Friday for what was believed to be the first night high school baseball game ever in Indiana County. The Wildcats came out on top with a dramatic 14-13 victory in the first ever High School Baseball Charity Challenge. The lights were installed at First Commonwealth Field last July and used for the Pennsylvania Junior Legion regional and state tournaments but hadn’t been used for a high school game this season. The event was organized by Renda Broadcasting’s Mark Bertig, who thought the game would be a creative way to help raise money for the Teddy Bear Fund. Bertig believed a Homer-Center at Indiana game scheduled for April 26 would be a perfect matchup. Bertig asked Indiana High School athletic director Pat Snyder and baseball coach John Fisanich if they would be willing to play the game at Homer-Center a day earlier, and the two agreed. “They bought in really quick, so they were the key,” Bertig said. Shortly after Indiana agreed to the changes, Bertig contacted Homer-Center officials, who also agreed to the night game. The event turned out to be a success — not only because of the tight, high-scoring game, but because of the attendance and the money that was raised, which turned out $2,338. Eighty percent of that will go to Indiana Regional Medical Center pediatrics, and 20 percent goes to the free care fund at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Despite competing with the first game of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers playoff series, the game attracted a crowd of at least 300 people. Admission to the game was a suggested $1 donation to the Teddy Bear Fund. A 50/50 raffle and a portion of concession stand sales also contributed to the donations. In addition, businesses Luther Ford and North State Supply each contributed $250 and game umpires Tim Stadtmiller and Ray Peffer donated their game checks to the charity. Frank Kinter of Indiana won $226 in the 50/50 raffle and donated it all back. Throughout the game, which lasted for more than three and a half hours, Bertig gave updates of the Penguins’ game over the public address system. After falling behind 3-0, the Penguins came back to win 5-4, much to the delight of the crowd. Bertig said the event was a success and said it may even expand to a small tournament next year. Fisanich said he would be willing to bring his team back down in future seasons for a night fundraiser game. “I would give up the home game because it creates a unique atmosphere for our guys,” Fisanich said. “We want to go into the playoffs with this type of atmosphere, playing in front of these crowds.” Tim Kinter, a junior center fielder for Homer-Center who drove in the game-winning run, would love to see this event happen again next season. “Playing under the lights, you have good commentary by Mr. Bertig, two great baseball teams playing … Nothing better.” Homer-Center head coach Scott Bauer would like to see it continue, too. “I think it was great for the kids,” Bauer said. “How many high schools in this area have this type of complex with lights• I told the kids, everybody in Indiana County wants to be you guys (tonight).”

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