It was “take me out to the ballpark” time again as representatives from drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers around the country converged on Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, on March 9, 2018, for the third annual Invitational Recovery Tournament.Sixty players from 20 facilities toured the stadium, then went to the pros’ locker rooms to change into Texas Rangers jerseys personalized with their names.
Each was assigned to one of four teams which played a two-game tournament for the championship, while a professional photographer documented the action. Players were also treated to a ballpark lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers.
Representing La Hacienda Treatment Center in this year’s tournament were Cade Saurage, Director of Utilization Review and Strategic Partnerships, and Frost Readel, member of the Board of Directors. Nine members of the Business Development team attended the tournament.
Neither winning or losing – nor even how well they played the game – mattered as much as just being on that field for the La Hacienda players and fans.
“Baseball is symbolic of youth, summer, fathers and sons, of simpler times. It’s synonymous with American roots,” said Sarah McDonald, La Hacienda’s Fort Worth representative, who shared the experience with her 9-year-old son Evan. “There is a sense of pride of being on sacred ground, humbled by the opportunity to be among the spirit of greatness, and we got to experience it all with our most trusted referral sources and colleagues.”
Admission Outreach Specialist Todd Benedict, who got to play too, agreed. “Everyone had so much fun interacting with each other on a personal level, and just unwinding, whether they were playing or not. It was an amazing experience.”
“Working hard every day to help others who are in the midst of it gives me purpose,” said Business Development staffer Patti Sullivan. “This event let me and all my pals — who are in the trenches every day — play hard, laugh hard, and let our hair down and let it all hang out.”
Likewise, those from other treatment centers also had a great time.
“I have dreamed of playing baseball on that stage my entire life, and La Hacienda provided the elite experience. I am forever grateful,” said Jesse McCraw of BRC Recovery in Manor, Texas. “I will never forget the time I spent on that field creating memories!”
The Invitational Recovery Tournament grew out of a partnership between La Hacienda and the Texas Rangers, and has turned into an exclusive annual networking event for the treatment center industry, said Cade, La Hacienda’s Director of Utilization Review and Strategic Partnerships.
The first year, 10 treatment centers participated, then 19 sent players to the second tournament in 2017.
“It has been so amazing,” said Cade. “We want to thank the Texas Rangers and Globe Life Park for all that they have done to make this tournament a success, and for their support for our work in giving men and women a second chance in their lives.”
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