Maddon’s ‘Integration Project’ unites community

HAZLETON, Pa. — It’s not a proper party until Bill Murray shows up.

The legendary actor and comedian participated in the clubhouse festivities after the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years and was the life of the party on Friday night in Hazleton, where Cubs manager Joe Maddon hosted his annual Hazleton Integration Project fundraiser at Valley Country Club.

“Around the Horn with Joe Maddon and Friends” featured a live and silent auction, along with blackjack, craps and roulette for approximately 350 guests, all of whom all had the pleasure of mingling with both Maddon and Murray.

“We are going to get snow tonight, and it’s going to sound very much like Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania,” Murray told the crowd, making reference to his 1993 film “Groundhog Day.” “I want to thank Joe and all of you for making it possible for me to have a destination journey to Hazleton, Pennsylvania. It’s very nice of you to have me here.”

I had the pleasure of participating in Maddon’s event for the third year in a row, continuing a tradition and a friendship begun by my grandfather, Yogi Berra, years ago. Other special guests included MLB Network Insider and FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian and Peter Gammons, as well as two-time world heavyweight champion boxer Tim Witherspoon.

The event sold out moments after Maddon and the Cubs won the World Series on Nov. 2.

“If people want to come here and talk about the World Series, that’s great, and then we can …

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