Planet Fest a hit
ADAMS TWP — Planet Fest was officially born Sunday afternoon in the Mars Area High School gym.
It may have a long life.
More than 350 people filled the gym for the baseball carnival that featured skill games in different sports, raffles, Mars baseball gear for purchase and autograph sessions featuring Mars graduates and professional baseball pitchers David and Will Bednar.
“We sold 150 tickets in advance (at $15 each) and another 75 or more at the door,” said Brett Schmidt, vice president of the Mars Backstop Club. “We could raise $5,000 or so for our baseball program. But it’s not about the money today.
“This is about members of our community getting out together and thinking about baseball on a cold winter day.”
David Bednar was named Pitcher of the Year for the Pirates last season while Will Bednar was named MVP of the College World Series with champion Mississippi State. He was later drafted in the first round by the San Francisco Giants and fashioned a 1.29 earned run average in four Rookie League and low Class A appearances last summer.
“I can still remember Opening Day in youth baseball here, the parade and everything,” Will said. “Playing high school baseball with my father as coach ... those were special times.”
Andy Bednar served as Mars varsity baseball coach for more than 20 years before stepping down. He is returning to the program as a pitching coach this spring.
“This is a great opportunity for people in the community to come out and meet David and Will,” Coach Bednar said. “Kids can get their autographs, pose for photos with them. I know they (David and Will) have been excited about this day for some time.”
“It’s a cool chance to give back,” David Bednar said. “We owe a lot to Mars baseball. We’ll always support this program. We’re fortunate to be in the positions we’re in. We owe a lot to this place. It’s always fun to come back here.”
Approximately 20 Mars High School baseball players were on hand to assist with the activities.
“This is a great thing for the program,” Planet freshman pitcher-outfielder Finn Seideneck said. “Having David and Will as graduates from here is very helpful to all of us. I’ve been over their house working on my pitching with David.
“Those two are role models to a lot of kids around here.”
Schmidt credited the Bednar brothers with getting Planet Fest off the ground. He said it took three hours to convert the gym into a home for the event.
“They came to us looking for a way to give back and this whole idea grew from that,” Schmidt said. “I can see this being an annual event for years to come.”
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