Matthew Blittner, who has covered the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils for multiple publications since the 2016-17 season, does more than report on sports.
Blittner is also the founder of the “Brooklyn Memorial Cup For Alzheimer's.” A charity softball game, which concluded its seventh year.
The event was held at the Kingsborough Community College baseball field on Saturday, July 26th.
“I've met plenty of other people in the sports media industry who have their own charity events… So I said, You know what? I'm going to put together my own thing,” said Blittner during our conversation.
Being uncertain about the organization he wanted to support, Blittner’s great uncle and paternal grandfather were personally affected by Alzheimer’s, which led to the organization's decision.
“I don't see any Alzheimer's related fundraisers in my area. So I said, I'm going to make the game that I'm creating for Alzheimer's research. And I got in touch with the Alzheimer's Association.”
To date, the event has raised north of $50K.
“(From 2021 to 2022) We jumped from $3,457 to $7,000 (raised). People started to understand this is a yearly thing... We know to mark off a weekend because this is going to be happening.”
What started as a small-scale event, has grown into a community staple, drawing media/hockey personalities, local supporters, and many more to the diamond for an afternoon of softball and fundraising.
Media personalities who were involved in this year's event include Stefen Rosner, Andrew Gross, Adam Hamway, Rob Taub, and Russ Cohen to name a few.
“Just being able to see how much it’s grown year over year, and to have the support of a lot of people who come down every year… “For the most part, the core of each team is intact, which allows it to not only grow and build camaraderie, but also build a bit of a fun rivalry.”
The BK Nationals won this year's contest over the BK Americans, by a score of 26-4.
At the conclusion of the game, co-captains Seth Blittner and Rob DeVita got to hoist The Lenny DiCristino Memorial Cup, awarded to the winning team.
In honor of Islanders reporter Andrew Gross, who lost his father, David, to the disease, the event has the ‘David Gross Advocacy Award,’ which goes to a public figure who’s active in the Alzheimer’s cause. This year's recipient was Kim Battaglia.
There is also The ‘Morton Blittner Game MVP,’ named after Blittner's late grandfather. Post game, the award was given to Shawn Kontorov.
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The Brooklyn Memorial Cup isn’t about who wins or loses, it’s about community.
There were raffles and donation opportunities, all benefiting Alzheimer's research. From year to year, fans are encouraged to come out, bring friends, and cheer on the players as they take their swing for a good cause.
For Blittner, who juggles his busy schedule as a hockey reporter, The Brooklyn Memorial Cup is a labor of love. Organizing it each year takes time and effort, but for him, it’s all worth it.
For more information, check out their website.