Jim Leryitz and John Beninati. (Christopher Beninati)

East Hampton - Last Saturday, August 20, the 63rd annual Artists Writers Softball game took place at Herrick Park in the heart of the village of East Hampton. This year's event supported three great local charities including the East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, East End Hospice and the Phoenix House of Long Island. Many tremendous sponsors were able to support this iconic Hamptons event including HBO, Snapple, Regal Theaters, ESPN radio and many more.

The game began in the summer of 1948 as a friendly pickup game series on Sundays between local artists and writers but the tradition soon grew and the community started to get involved. Past games have spotted some of the most recognizable names in not only East End history but America's, including Joan Mitchell and Jackson Pollock. This year was no different as the rosters sported such names as Greg Bello, Alec Baldwin, Josh Charles, Mike Lupica, Chevy Chase and Christie Brinkley. The back and forth battle among the creative and fierce competitors was commentated play by play by Juliet Papa, , and the calming soothing voice of "Inside the Actor's Studio" host James Lipton.

2010 MVP Josh Charles takes aim. (Christopher Beninati)

Longtime event organizer Leif Hope was very satisfied with this year's game as it has meant so much to him over the years, "The artists and writers game, 63 years old, often results in embarrassed egos, inflated opinions of self and team, fun for players and fans, satisfaction for the winning team, and support for the three wonderful charities." The great causes honored here can get overseen by all of the tremendous fun and bold face names but Hope reminds people they are at the center of the day "The charities are the hidden center of this event."

A base hit. (Christopher Beninati)

The vibe of the day felt like a true day at the ballpark for any baseball lover because of the refreshments and souvenirs on site and the tremendous passion displayed by the artists and writers. "As a local artist I am generally a little put off by the 'celebrity culture' however the artists and writers game gets a pass, while it raises a lot of money for good causes, I think the truth is that the most of the regulars would show up and play with no fanfare, cameras or spectators."

The family favorite event did not let down with tons of action on and off the field as fans were able to bid in a silent auction including autographed memorabilia from sports and entertainment stars as well as gifts donated from 27 Hamptons Salon, Columbia Records and In-Style Magazine. With all of the fanfare for great softball, memorabilia, beverages and celebrity sightings the 63rd Annual Artists and Writers Softball game was a homerun.