The New Orleans Saints offense defeated the defense, 23-20, in the Heath Evans' Saints Softball Showndown at Zephyr Field Wednesday night.
30 plus Saints players participated in the festivities which included an autograph session, home run derby and a six-inning softball game all in front of a large contingent of Saints fans.
Proceeds from the event benefited the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.
Evans was not able to attend the event due to a family matter.
"I regret that I will miss (Softball Showdown)," Evans said in a statement. "I am currently involved in a critical family matter, and I am choosing at this time to focus on my responsibility to my family I want to thank everyone for your understanding and for respecting my family's privacy at this time."
OT Zach Strief, who has participated in the event all four years it has been held in New Orleans, said the game is a great way for the players to interact with the community while helping a great cause.
"This event is always a lot of fun," said Strief. "We are here to support Heath and what he is doing with his wife. To fight for the victims of sexually abused kids. Fight for the families, fight for the kids. It is a good event. We have a good time.
QB Chase Daniel won the Home Run Derby after slamming an event record 18 dingers to top LB Will Herring's 10.
Herring was teammates with Evans at Auburn and said he was thrilled to play in the contest.
"I was pretty nervous about tonight," Herring said after the derby. "I have never played baseball in front of a crowd like this. It brought me back to the high school days. I got off to a slow start but I was able to get it going. It was fun."
The Saints will begin on-field practices next Tuesday when they start organized team activities.
