Stars Come Out for Big Game

Melissa Etheridge hit a home run last year in the music industry--winning critical acclaim as well as big numbers in record sales. She topped off an exceptional year with three Grammy nominations.

On Saturday, the rock singer will attempt to add a few more hits to her collection--this time on the softball field at the annual “Rock ‘n’ Jock Softball Challenge.”

When she goes to bat--along with other celebrities--for the benefit of the T.J. Martell Foundation, she’ll be surrounded by such pro athletes as Bobby Bonilla, David Justice, Ozzie Smith and L.A.’s own Mike Piazza, National League rookie of the year.

For fans, the game is a great opportunity to see the pros, who have been benched since the baseball strike ended the 1994-95 season. Other players in the lineup include Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Belle and Roger Clemens.

Some of the celebrity players include Warren G, Coolio, Corbin Bernsen (whose new show happens to have him starring as a ballplayer-turned-sports announcer), MTV’s Dan Cortese, comedian Margaret Cho, George Clooney (“ER”), Pamela Anderson (“Baywatch”), and Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue”).

The “Rock ‘n’ Jock” showdown will take place at noon at Blair Field, 4700 E. 10th St., Long Beach. If there’s a downpour, the game will be played Sunday. Get tickets through Ticketmaster: Adults $8, students with ID $6 (tickets may be available at the gate if they don’t sell out). (213) 480-3232.