WEST PALM BEACH- Today (June 17, 2023) Miami Dolphins’ All-Pro defensive back Xavien Howard hosted his inaugural charity softball game. This game featured multiple Dolphins players and some stars across the NFL, including Miami’s QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle, S Deshon Elliot, former Dolphins DB Bobby McCain andWR/KR Jakeem Grant as well as Broncos CB and South Florida native, Patrick Surtain II.
Before the game started, I got to run a quick interview with our gracious host, Xavien Howard, about what this charity game means to him.
“It means a lot to me. I appreciate all of the support from the fans in West Palm. The fans came out today!” Howard said. “The guys playing in the game could’ve been doing anything they wanted to do on a Saturday, but they came out here to West Palm.”
Quick interview with the man of the hour, @MiamiDolphins CB Xavien Howard on his first ever charity softball game
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) June 17, 2023
📸- @CP_Photo2004 @EraPrepLady @Iamxavienhoward pic.twitter.com/on8qEwnQS8
Photo Credits: Christian Proscia
At the beginning of the event, we were treated to a HomeRun Derby between multiple stars. The final round of the Derby was the matchup of Jaylen Waddle and Bobby McCain. After launching 5 HR’s in the semifinals, Waddle only produced one run in the final. McCain took advantage of Waddle’s sudden slump and knocked down 3 dingers in the Finals, putting himself en route to becoming the first ever Xavien Howard HomeRun Derby Champion.
.@D1__JW 🐧 is dialed in and ready for the @Iamxavienhoward Softball Game!
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) June 18, 2023
📸- @CP_Photo2004 pic.twitter.com/ppNZKB2YuE
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle hit 5 home runs in 1st round of Xavien Howard Celebrity Home Run Derby. He ended up losing 3 to 1 in the Finals to Giants safety Bobby McCain — the champion.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 17, 2023
A portion of Waddle’s session here. pic.twitter.com/5c3FyEbNS2
Photo Credits: Christian Proscia
After a brief stretch out and warmup period, the main event began. Immediately, the action started.
The Black team’s lead off hitter, Tua Tagovailoa, wasted no time turning this event into a highlight reel. On the third pitch of the afternoon, Tua sent an absolute moonshot flying to left field. As Tagovailoa trots around the bases, the ‘Fins faithful chanted his name triumphantly.
Batting leadoff, Tua Tagovailoa goes yard with a home run to kick off the Xavien Howard Celebrity Softball Game.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) June 17, 2023
Tua hits the Waddle as he rounds 2nd base in celebration. pic.twitter.com/eXqjXLsFpV
Tua’s opening statement homer did not surprise me. During pre game warmups, I had the privilege to run a quick interview with Tua. When I asked him about his goal for the upcoming game, he stated:
“My team to win.”
Just like in football, Tua certainly did all he could for his team to win. Alongside his monster home run, Tagovailoa also made crucial defensive plays, throwing out multiple runners.
Quick interview with @MiamiDolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa before the Xavien Howard Softball Game
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) June 17, 2023
📸- @CP_Photo2004
@EraPrepLady @Tua @Iamxavienhoward pic.twitter.com/BH4kF7wrhH
Photo Credits: Christian Proscia
My favorite part of the afternoon was seeing the chemistry between the players and fans. Throughout the day, the players were taking time to sign autographs, take pictures and meet the fans. The star athletes were making the kids feel loved and valued, which in turn will build future fans for life.
As someone who is in the younger generation, it was really heartwarming to see the players giving back to the next generation.
For the kids @Tua
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) June 18, 2023
📸- @CP_Photo2004 pic.twitter.com/4i3vOC7U94
Photo Credits: Christian Proscia
It was an amazing experience being able to cover the Xavien Howard Charity Softball Game. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to cover this event, and I can’t wait to continue to in the future!
