Baseball fans and community members are invited to a special event at Eastwood Field on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as local boxing icons Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik manage celebrity teams in the inaugural “Rallying for Robert Celebrity Softball Game.” The event, beginning at 4:30 PM, is a critical fundraiser for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and support for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Presented by the Eastwood Mall Complex, the event is named after Robert Lucarell, a Brookfield resident who has battled Crohn’s Disease since 2018. Robert has endured several hospitalizations and surgeries, yet remains a beacon of hope, now leading efforts to shine a light on Crohn’s and Colitis in the Mahoning Valley.
The competing teams will feature a dynamic mix of local celebrities, community leaders, and brave IBD patients, all stepping up to the plate to support a vital cause. “We are incredibly excited to bring the community together for such a meaningful event,” says Johnny Chechitelli, Regional Director of Marketing & Communications at Eastwood. “Robert’s resilience is truly inspiring and this game is a testament to the power of community support.” Robert Lucarell adds, “having Kelly and Ray volunteer their time to be part of this event shows that anything is possible. Even if you suffer from something like Crohn’s Disease, you should never give up on your dreams.”
Following the celebrity softball game, attendees will also have admission to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers game against the State College Spikes, with first pitch in that game scheduled for 7:05 PM. In addition, the evening features a live performance by Youngstown pop/rock band “Potentia,” adding to the festive atmosphere.
Ticket packages for this special doubleheader event are available for $35 for adults and $25 for children 14 and under. Each package includes:
- Admission to both the “Rallying for Robert” Celebrity Softball Game and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers game.
- A commemorative event T-shirt featuring team managers Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik.
- A voucher for one hot dog, a soft drink, and a bag of chips.
Join us to support Robert Lucarell, as well as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and enjoy a fantastic evening of baseball and entertainment! Tickets can be conveniently purchased online here or directly at the Eastwood Field box office.
