In 2021, we sadly said goodbye to baseball legend, musician, philanthropist, and civil rights activist Jim “Mudcat” Grant. In addition to being all those things and more, those of us who have had the privilege of participating in the Jim “Mudcat” Grant All-Star Golf Tournament during the past 20 years have been honored to know “Mudcat” as something that was perhaps even more important—a dear and loyal friend.

What began as a chance meeting between “Mudcat” and Security Mutual Chairman Bruce W. Boyea more than 20 years ago blossomed into a lasting friendship not only between “Mudcat” and Bruce, but with countless members of our local community through the formation of the All-Star Golf Tournament. Renamed in “Mudcat’s” honor in 2005, the Jim “Mudcat” Grant All-Star Golf Tournament perfectly exemplified one of “Mudcat’s” lifelong passions—inspiring children and teens to be the best they can be and encouraging them to work hard to achieve their goals. Thanks to Jim’s caring and commitment, for over 20 years the Tournament has benefited Broome County children and families through educational and recreational programs offered through the Broome County Urban League (opens in a new tab)  and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Binghamton (opens in a new tab) , as well as through the food pantries offered by CHOW (opens in a new tab)  and Catholic Charities of Broome County (opens in a new tab) .

“Mudcat,” however, was not content with raising funds alone. For him, the high point of the annual Tournament was personally spending time with the children at the Broome County Urban League and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Binghamton. Each year, “Mudcat” visited with the children, sharing stories not only of his career in Major League Baseball, but of growing up poor, of helping other people no matter what your means, and of facing and overcoming racism.

During his annual visits, he also made it a point to stop by our local hospitals and brighten the day of the patients and staff members he met by signing autographs and sharing stories, and of course by also sharing his ear-to-ear smile.

We have truly lost someone who was a light in the world and in our community. This year marks the 23nd year of the Tournament, and as a tribute to “Mudcat” and his lasting contributions to the children and families of Broome County, we are renaming the tournament The Jim “Mudcat” Grant Legacy All-Star Golf Tournament. We are forever grateful to “Mudcat” for his kindness and generosity, and we are also grateful to all the members of our community who are joining us in saluting “Mudcat’s” memory and helping ensure that his legacy continues to shine brightly.

Please join us in a very special tribute to “Mudcat” by helping us continue his passion for helping these four organizations that provide such vital services to our area’s children and families. There are many ways to be a part of the Jim “Mudcat” Grant Legacy Golf Tournament, including serving as a sponsor, advertising in our tournament program, purchasing a fairway sign or making a donation (opens in a new tab) .

Thank you for your support and for helping continue Mudcat’s legacy.