Chicago Lawn District police won the inaugural community softball game against Garfield Ridge residents, hosted by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch.
Although it might not have surprised spectators, community organizers, or either team, it was a Saturday morning full of fun, community spirit, sportsmanship, and possibly the last hot weekend of the year.
Garfield Ridge residents were at the Wentworth Baseball Field as early as 9 a.m., warming up, batting, and running the bases, all wearing their matching baby blue “Garfield Ridge Strong” tees sponsored by the 8th District Police Council. Police players arrived a bit later, taking the left side of the baseball field, and were wearing shirts from the Police Memorial Foundation, honoring fallen officers. Both teams were vying for the prestigious trophy donated by 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn.
The softball game commenced at 10:25 p.m. with the national anthem sung by 23rd Ward Alderman Tabares’s staffer Emma Ortega. While three children from Garfield Ridge held the American and Blue Line Flags on the field’s diamond, their little faces radiated pride, and their hands were placed over their hearts as their parents stood nearby, taking photographs.Mark Hamlin, a member of the 8th District Police Council, served as the umpire overseeing the coin toss, which the police team won.
Police led for the entire game, but the Garfield Ridge team did not go down without a fight. The stands were cheering on both sides, holding up signs they had made for loved ones, and ringing their cowbells each time a team scored. Overall, both teams gave it their all and seemed to be having a great time.
The winning police team did a victory lap around the Garfield Ridge neighborhood on the back of the Fire It Up Now Fire Truck. Officer Sara Trevino held up the trophy for neighbors to see as many honked their horns, peeked behind their blinds, and offered waves.
Jason Huff, organizer of the softball game and Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch board member, hosted weekly practices for the Garfield Ridge team every Thursday through September. These sessions were to help the players get to know each other and potentially secure a victory. Jason reflected on how it was touching to see community residents of all ages come together each week, and on the day of the game, to play softball and strengthen community relations with the police.
He was also pleased with the softball game despite the outcome. “For the first year doing the event, it was very successful. Hopefully, it can grow, and we can make this an annual softball game against our officers and residents. This allows us to see our officers out of uniform and also provides them with a way to decompress beyond their routine of being on the streets. Very great turnout, and we can’t wait for next year.”
8th District Sgt. Jarocki played in the game. “Many of the players that came out to play on our team represent different shifts of the job. We’re out supporting each other, as well as the community we work with daily. It’s nice to share the beautiful weather and a game with Garfield Ridge residents. Oftentimes, we see them on their bad days, but it’s good to share in these good days and in community building.”
Tabares ward staffers Jason and Jonathan played for the Garfield Ridge team.
Jason cheerfully shared, “It was such a wonderful day to come out and play softball. I truly had a fantastic time.”
“It was wonderful that Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch organized this game,” Jonathan said. “It was so encouraging to see the Chicago Police Officers come out and support Garfield Ridge.”
Noé Trejo, Garfield Ridge team captain, spoke in the dugout as he carried his clipboard with the scoresheet and lineup. He was on the sidelines for the majority of the game, boosting morale, moving players in and out, and offering tips on how to hold the baseball bat.
He reflected on what it meant to be a part of the game as a resident. “It’s a source of pride, a sense of community, and kind of hard to come by these days unless you get involved.”
