David Cone’s Celebrity Golf Classic Continues a Legacy of Giving Back

Baseball legends and community supporters came together in Florham Park to benefit the Ed Lucas Foundation and uplift individuals living with visual impairments and other disabilities. 

By Anna Samanamu | Latino Sports

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — Baseball, community, and philanthropy came together on Thursday, August 6th, as the David Cone Celebrity Golf Classic returned to Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey, for another memorable day benefiting the Ed Lucas Foundation. The annual gathering brought together celebrated athletes, entertainers, sponsors, and supporters—all guided by a shared mission to honor and carry forward the extraordinary legacy of Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and journalist Ed Lucas. At the helm of the event was host David Cone, a former 17-year MLB right-handed pitcher and five-time World Series champion with the Yankees. 

After losing his vision at age 12 from a sandlot baseball injury, Ed Lucas refused to let the incident derail his passion for the sport. Instead, he reshaped his setback into a pioneering sports journalism career, earning the deep respect and friendship of legendary Yankees and Mets figures over a career spanning several decades.

Today, the Ed Lucas Foundation continues his life’s work by providing financial assistance to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or living with other disabilities. The foundation has supported organizations including—The Seeing Eye, Seton Hall University, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, Breakthrough T1D, United Cerebral Palsy, the Macular Degeneration Research Foundation, and the Center for Disability Services.

The day’s schedule kicked off with golfer registration, a breakfast spread, and an exclusive VIP meet-and-greet, leading into a shotgun start on the course. As day turned to evening, the event transitioned into a cocktail reception, featuring silent and live auctions, a formal dinner, and an awards ceremony. The lineup of scheduled sports luminaries featured Baseball Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins and Rollie Fingers, alongside notable personalities including Jim Leyritz, Howard Johnson, Roy White, John Starks, Rick Cerone, and Lindsay Berra.

The inclusion of prominent Latino baseball figures brought another layer of significance to the event. Former major leaguers who stepped up to lend their names and support to the effort included Panamanian World Series champion Ramiro Mendoza, Dominican baseball icon Julio Franco, Venezuelan veteran Calvin Maduro, and Puerto Rican Yankees legend Bernie Williams.

Beyond offering vital representation at a function focused on uplifting individuals whose challenges are frequently ignored, their involvement underscored a deep, widespread dedication to community service across Latino baseball.

Cone stood at the heart of the event, with his steadfast dedication helping transform the annual classic into a cherished tradition.

His involvement, however, goes well beyond lending a famous name. By rallying the baseball world behind Ed Lucas’ vision, Cone leverages his athletic platform to open doors for others. This leadership exemplifies true stewardship—translating athletic achievement into purposeful service while ensuring underrepresented communities receive recognition, encouragement, and aid.

Baseball fans will always treasure Cone for his mound prowess, five World Series titles, and his historic July 18, 1999 perfect game with the Yankees. Yet his ongoing devotion to the Ed Lucas Foundation proves that an athlete’s ultimate legacy extends beyond rings or statistical milestones. True impact is reflected in the lives enriched long after the game ends.

The long-standing relationship between Cone, the Lucas family, and the baseball community serves as a powerful reminder that the game is at its best when it brings people together. The Golf Classic does more than raise funds—it preserves Ed Lucas’ legacy, amplifies the needs of the disability community, and creates a space where sports figures from diverse backgrounds can unite behind a common purpose.

By breaking down barriers in an industry that was rarely built for people with disabilities, Lucas paved a new path through sheer determination. The foundation established in his honor carries this vision forward, continually expanding possibilities for others. Supported by David Cone’s tireless commitment and philanthropy, that vital work continues to thrive—touching lives and creating transformative opportunities with every act of generosity and every round played.

Author’s Note: I would like to extend my sincere personal gratitude to David Cone for letting me attend this year’s Celebrity Golf Classic Dinner. His warmth and support meant more to me

than he may know. Beyond advocating for my presence at such an important event, David urged me to keep writing, creating, and finding my own voice—particularly following the previous piece on the 27th anniversary of The Perfect Game featuring him and Luis “Squeegee” Castillo.

As a first-generation Peruvian-American sports media and storytelling enthusiast, receiving that vote of confidence from a revered baseball icon was both deeply humbling and inspiring. David’s generosity goes well beyond the charitable organizations and communities he champions; it is equally evident in his dedication to encouraging rising writers and storytellers. 

I am truly thankful for this opportunity, his encouraging words, and his reminder to remain confident in the work I am building on my own path. 

Special shoutout to my baseball brother Squeegee for believing in me and presenting me to David.

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