Buffalo, N.Y. — The beloved Hyde Charity Softball Game, a staple event for Bills Mafia fans, will see significant changes this June as Micah and Amanda Hyde announce their departure from hosting duties. Due to legal complications involving a previous third-party partnership, the Hydes will no longer oversee the game, impacting its location and leadership.
In a social media statement, the Hydes explained that despite their efforts over the past year to regain full control of the event’s rights, unresolved legal matters prevent them from personally running the softball game this year.
Over the past year, we’ve worked tirelessly to regain control of the rights to the game. Unfortunately, due to legal complications involving a previous third-party partnership partnership that helped execute this event, we are not able to personally host the game this year,
Micah and Amanda Hyde said.
Greg Rousseau Takes Over Hosting as the Event Moves to ESL Ballpark
The charity softball event will continue under new leadership, with Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau stepping in to carry the tradition forward. The Hydes expressed confidence in Rousseau’s ability to maintain the spirit of the game.
While #23 won’t be hosting this year’s game, we are excited to pass the baton to our good friend, Greg Rousseau, who we know will be an incredible.
Micah and Amanda Hyde stated.
Additionally, the game’s venue is relocating from Buffalo’s Sahlen Field to ESL Ballpark near Rochester, marking a significant geographic shift along the Thruway corridor. The Rochester Red Wings officially announced the new event details.
Bills Mafia is coming to the Ballpark ⚾🏈Join us at ESL Ballpark on Sunday, June 7 at 1 PM for the Greg Rousseau Charity Softball Game featuring Bills Offense vs Bills Defense. Gates open at 10:30 AM for a pregame tailgate and home run derby.
Rochester Red Wings.
Local Organizations Express Support Amid Event Changes
The Buffalo Bisons organization, which previously hosted the game at Sahlen Field, will not participate in this year’s event but extended their gratitude to Bills Mafia supporters for their dedication over six years.
The Greg Rousseau Charity Softball Game will be a great event for Bills Mafia to enjoy and our friends at the Rochester Red Wings will no doubt do a tremendous job bringing this great tradition to ESL Ballpark. While there will be no charity softball game at Sahlen Field in 2026, we look forward to the tradition returning to Buffalo in future seasons.
Buffalo Bisons representatives said.
The Inspire You Foundation, a key sponsor of the event, voiced strong support for the transition and Rousseau’s efforts to uphold the charitable legacy.
We are proud to support Greg and the Rousseau Family Foundation as they continue the legacy of sharing the support from WNY and the Bills Mafia with other players and their non-profits.
Inspire You Foundation.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Charity Softball Game
The Greg Rousseau Charity Softball Game is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, with first pitch at 1 p.m.; gates will open at 10:30 a.m. to welcome fans for a pregame tailgate and home run derby. Tickets will become available starting Friday, March 7, inviting Bills fans and the Western New York community to continue supporting this meaningful event under new leadership.
This transition marks a pivotal moment for the charity softball tradition, with Micah Hyde‘s departure creating opportunities for fresh involvement and regional expansion. While the game moves from its Buffalo roots for the first time in several years, the enduring connection to Bills Mafia and local non-profits ensures that its community impact will remain strong as it evolves in the years to come.
Bills Mafia is coming to the Ballpark ⚾🏈
Join us at ESL Ballpark on Sunday, June 7 at 1 PM for the Greg Rousseau Charity Softball Game featuring Bills Offense vs Bills Defense.
Gates open at 10:30 AM for a pregame tailgate and home run derby.
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🎟 Tickets go live Friday,… pic.twitter.com/dkc65XXaeS— Rochester Red Wings (@RocRedWings) March 4, 2026
