Worcester — Nearly two hours before Sunday’s celebrity softball game was set to begin, a large crowd gathered outside Polar Park, eager to see Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in his first-ever charity event of this kind. The game, organized by the newly established MayeDay Family Foundation, attracted a sellout crowd of close to 10,000 fans.

Maye expressed his appreciation for the turnout and the opportunity to connect with supporters. The event featured a home run derby, a “golden arm competition,” and a seven-inning softball game, bringing together athletes and personalities from various sports and entertainment backgrounds.

The game showcased camaraderie among participants, many of whom are teammates on the New England Patriots. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and wide receiver Demario Douglas debated their respective hitting abilities despite neither taking part in the derby. Jokes and playful jabs were exchanged throughout, including remarks from Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Stevenson underscored the importance of bonding outside football, saying, “Any time we can all get together outside of football, it’s always a fun time.” Maye invited any contacts he could reach to join the game, resulting in rosters dominated by Patriots players and featuring special guests like Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, comedian Matt Rife, former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, and Boston Fleet players Megan Keller and Jill Saulnier. NHL players Will Smith of the San Jose Sharks and Matty Beniers of the Seattle Seattle Kraken also made appearances.

Team Patriots included Maye, wide receivers Douglas and Romeo Doubs, running back Stevenson, and offensive linemen Will Campbell and Mike Onwenu, among others. Team Sox featured cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, special teamer Brenden Schooler, linebacker Robert Spillane, and former Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, among others. Notably, Gonzalez participated despite missing the Patriots’ organized team activity on Wednesday amid ongoing contract extension talks. Marcus Jones, who signed an extension last October, acknowledged the situation without elaboration, emphasizing that contract negotiations are a balancing act between player value and team interests.

The event also supported a charitable cause. A patient from Boston Children’s Hospital was honored with the first pitch, and Maye’s wife, Ann Michael, provided baked goods for patients in attendance. The couple donated a total of $174,000, comprising an initial $80,000 contribution plus additional funds tied to the number of home runs hit during the derby and game.

“This is for the kids,” Maye said, highlighting the event’s philanthropic goals.

In the home run derby, Maye, his brother Cole, Campbell, Gonzalez, Edelman, Portnoy, Chara, Smith, and others competed to hit as many home runs as possible within a minute on a shortened field. Chara was the only participant without a homer, while Maye and Smith tied with nine each in the final round. Maye ultimately awarded the trophy to Smith.

Despite a brief rain shower, most of the crowd remained to witness the competitive yet friendly softball game. Team Sox edged out Team Patriots with a final score of 17-16. Maye nearly hit a walk-off winning run but flew out to end the game.

Reflecting on the event, Maye expressed optimism about growing the foundation in future years. “I’m looking forward to trying to expand it maybe down the road,” he said, praising the turnout and the quality of players involved.