Tournament History

Now entering its 12th year, the annual Keys Charity Golf Classic has grown from 63 golfers during their inaugural event in 1996 to over 144 the past five years. The Keys created this event in 1996 as an opportunity for Keys sponsors to spend a few hours with the players and staff outside of Harry Grove Stadium, while raising money for a good cause.

Hundreds of Frederick Keys players have participated in this event over the past 11 years, including several who have reached the Major Leagues: Sidney Ponson, Brian Roberts, Jerry Hairston, Jr., Josh Towers, John Parrish, Tim Raines, Jr., Rick Short, Nick Markakis, Chris Britton, John Stephens and Jayson Werth. In addition, several former Major Leaguers have been active participants, including Don Buford, Andy Etchebarren, Tom Lawless, Tom Treblehorn, Dick Hall, Scott McGregor, John Stearns, Dave Cash and Jack Voigt.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is the beneficiary of the tournament, receiving more than $50,000 over the past seven years. In 1999, the event took a new step with the creation of the Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund. The Frederick Keys are proud to announce the return of SunTrust Bank as the title sponsor for this event. Thanks to our friends at SunTrust and all of our sponsors for making Joel’s Kids a reality.

The 2005-2006 Joel’s Kids grant award recipient was The Arc of Frederick County. In 2004, the Joel’s Kids grant award recipient was Thurmont Little League. Myersville Junior Baseball League was awarded the Joel’s Kids grant award in 2003. The Challenger Little League of Frederick County (MD) was the inaugural grant recipient in 2002.

SPONSORS

TITLE SPONSORS

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The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund

One of the most inspirational athletes to ever play in the Baltimore Orioles organization, Joel Stephens left a lasting impression with the Frederick Keys and their sister club, the Delmarva Shorebirds. After finishing the 1997 baseball season with the Shorebirds, Joel began his brave and valiant effort to battle the disease of colon cancer, and his (unfulfilled) wish to get “one more professional at bat” with the Keys in 1998. Joel’s courage was truly inspiration to those who knew him.

On September 30, 1998, Joel passed away at the age of 22. In the fall of 1999, the Frederick Keys created The Joel A. Stephens Memorial Fund through the Community Foundation of Frederick County (MD) to benefit children dealing with a serious illness or bereavement due to the death of a parent or sibling. Proceeds from the Keys Charity Golf events have made this fund a reality. On behalf of the Frederick Keys and the Stephens family, thank you for your help in keeping Joel’s legacy alive.

Joel A. Stephens
1976-1998