U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) will be in Linden on Wednesday, March 31, for a meet-and-greet during the benefit softball game at Scott Park.

Sessions is scheduled to have his question-and-answer session during the seventh-inning stretch of the softball game featuring the Linden Youth Advisors and the City of Linden Public Safety Department. Proceeds from the game will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Admission is a $2 donation.

“We had already planned the ball game for March 31, and Valerie Sessions called and talked to (city administrator) Cheryl Hall,” said Linden mayor Mitzi Gates. “She told Cheryl that the senator would like to come to Linden for a town visit. Cheryl said, ‘If you come on March 31st, you’re going to have to play softball!’

“I called Valerie back, and I said, ‘That would be sensational! Ask him if he wouldn’t mind coming. It benefits Relay for Life.’ So, he has agreed to be our seventh-inning stretch at about 2:15. I told her that, even if he wasn’t here to throw out the first pitch, he could take a time at bat for the Linden Youth Advisors, and she said that he would love that!”

Sessions confirmed that he was looking forward to speaking with people and taking part in the softball game.

“I’m looking forward to the softball game, a fabulous event that benefits an organization that has touched the lives of so many,” Sessions said. “The game is a great way to bring together friends and neighbors, and to raise awareness and support for a wonderful cause.”

Gates said that she spoke with Census 2010 representative William Scott on Thursday and told him that Linden would make March 31 a day to campaign for the census.

“We want people to understand that they aren’t paying $2 to come and see Jeff Sessions,” Gates said, “and if they absolutely cannot afford to pay $2, we will let them come in to see their senator — but we sure would appreciate the donation!”