• by Tanya Gazdik , May 31, 2011

Major League Baseball players and the Prostate Cancer Foundation are teaming for the 16th Annual Home Run Challenge.

The partnership, which also includes the Major League Baseball Players Association, will run from June 8 to June 19 -- Father's Day -aims to raise funds for prostate cancer research.

During the Home Run Challenge, MLB and the Prostate Cancer Foundation will encourage baseball fans to pledge between $.25 to $10,000 for every home run hit during select games. Last year, 112 home runs were hit, raising nearly $2.3 million for accelerating research and scientific discovery that will lead to better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

Since its inception, the Home Run Challenge has raised more than $38 million, says Michael Milken, founder and chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

To make a pledge, fans may call 1-800-798-CURE (2873) or visit pcf.org. This year offers a new way for baseball fans to donate by making a $10, one-time donation by texting HRC to 20222 (message and data rates apply).

One out of every six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common non-skin cancer in America. In the time it takes to play nine innings of baseball, 63 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and nine men will die from the disease.

To show their support, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers will wear blue wristbands on Father's Day. There will also be blue jewels on bases and some teams will host blue awareness ribbons on the field. Other related events that teams are conducting include pre-game ceremonies, running public service announcements, holding auctions and donating tickets for Father's Day baseball games.

A number of key past and present players have already signed on to actively promote this year's program including retired player co-chairs: Terry Steinbach, Sean Casey, Tim Salmon, Mike Sweeney and Robin Ventura as well as current player co-chairs: Lance Berkman, Ryan Braun, Jason Giambi, Todd Helton, Torii Hunter, Jason Kendall, Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Scott Rolen, Aaron Rowand, Jim Thome, Michael Young and Ryan Zimmerman.

In addition, each team has a designated player representative.