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Battle of the Badges: NYPD vs. FDNY – The Baseball Edition

A Massive Success as the Mets and David Wright host third annual Battle of the Badges - Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports

FLUSHING, NY — “I circle the calendar each year for this night,” stated New York Mets legend David Wright, as the third annual Battle of the Badges — a special charity baseball game between the NYPD and FDNY, took place on Thursday evening at Citi Field. 

“Many of us like myself run away from trouble. There’s a reason they’re the finest, the bravest. Any chance I get to say thank you, I jump at the chance.” 

David Wright poses for a photo during pregame festivities on Thursday night at Citi Field – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports

Wright, along with the Mets organization, jolt started Battle of the Badges back in 2022 — making for an annual event, with both team’s consisting of former high school, college, and minor league baseball players, who are now members of the NYPD and FDNY. 

A portion of all purchased tickets, which were $20 each, went to charities of the NYPD’s and FDNY’s choosing such as FDNY Foundation, NYCPBA Widows and Children’s Fund, and many others. 

Overall, Wright, and the Mets hit Thursday night out of the park by honoring all first responders, EMS workers, correctional officers, and of course, our courageous New York City police officers and firemen, who keep our beautiful city safe day-in and day-out. 

NYPD comes together to take a photo during pregame of Battle of the Badges on Thursday night at Citi Field – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports

The former Mets captain posed for photos with nearly every single participant of Battle of the Badges, as well as signed autographs for their children while sparking conversations with them — asking about their favorite baseball player, what position they play, and if they see themselves one day making it to the pros. 

For those on the diamond, this was an evening that they will never forget — playing in a Major League Baseball stadium with their family, loved ones, and friends watching from the seats — envisioning themselves as a Big Leaguer. 

NYPD came out ready to play, but lost to FDNY by a final of 5-1 – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports

And for those watching from the stands, the Mets’ entertainment staff made the night memorable by giving away signed baseballs and photos of Jesse Winker, Mark Vientos, Francisco Álvarez throughout the game along with many other active Mets players. 

On top of that, some fans were lucky enough to go home with free single game tickets for the Mets’ final homestand of the 2024 regular season coming next week — September 16-18 vs. the Washington Nationals and September 19-22 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Two lucky fans receive tickets to a Mets game for next week during Battle of the Badges on Thursday night at Citi Field – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports

“You know, very rarely do first responders get the credit that they deserve for all the great things that they do in the community,” said Wright, whose father Rohn was a police officer in Norfolk, Virginia. “So any chance that we as a community get to raise first responders on that pedestal that they deserve to be on, I’m obviously 100% for that.” 

“Visiting the firehouses, visiting the police precincts. You know, going in there and just seeing on a daily basis what first responders go through. I mean it’s something that you know they are certainly cut from a different cloth. There is a reason they are the bravest and the finest. To literally put your life on the line on a daily basis, they deserve all the credit in the world.”

Despite FDNY beating NYPD by a final score of 5-1, each participant and attendee for this year’s Battle of the Badges should view themselves as a winner and be proud of showing up and showing out for a special cause.

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