Some of country music’s biggest stars helped raise more than $120,000 for City of Hope in the 19th annual Nashville Celebrity Softball Challenge in Tennessee.

Artist Darius Rucker sings along with the national anthem. (Photo by Randi Radcliff)

Known as the unofficial kickoff to the Country Music Association’s CMA Music Fest, the Nashville Celebrity Softball Challenge has raised funds for City of Hope for nearly two decades. About 7,000 fans filled Greer Stadium on June 10 to see 37 country music artists and members of the Tennessee Titans swing bats, hit fly balls and run out grounders.

The Grand Ole Opry team defeated “After MidNite with Blair Garner” 11-5 while raising vital funds for City of Hope. Country music standouts Carrie Underwood and Josh Turner keyed the Grand Ole Opry victory; both hit two-run homers in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Players included Montgomery Gentry, Chuck Wicks, Julianne Hough, Darius Rucker and many others. Country music fans also bid on exclusive memorabilia from their favorite music artists at a silent auction during the game and online afterward at www.auctionsforhope.com.

Since the Music and Entertainment Industry launched the Nashville Celebrity Softball Challenge in 1990, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for City of Hope.