Page 46 - August 2017

FOR THE LOVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47
happened. It was a very crucial moment where it was ei- ther stay, risk my life as a police officer, or leave. It was a no-brainer. Every single time I’m out here I try to do something dedicated to him. I actually have a bat for him that I made.”
Eric Diaz has helped run the event since its inception, although this year was his first not playing. He and Cap- tain David Harris spoke of the enthusiasm and strong spirit surrounding the game that includes passionate fans who tailgated before and after, numerous sponsors and generous help from the Illinois Sports Facility Authority, which operates the ballpark.
Diaz would love to put 40,000 fans in the park for a fu- ture game, but appreciates the energy of the several thou- sand fans – especially from kids who strained their voices all night seeking signed baseballs, bats and other goodies.
“The first few years, we were embarrassed to sign au- tographs. Then we realized it was for the kids,” Diaz con- firmed.
Added Harris: “It’s crazy. It makes you feel good as a player that you can kind of fulfill a kids’ dream of getting an autograph. They think you’re a professional player. It’s cool on both ends.”
All three dozen or so members of the Finest commit themselves to playing high-quality baseball, according to Harris.
“This is real baseball. These guys get out there and get it done. We’ve played every major police department in the country and beat them all,” Harris said before men- tioning CPD’s dominance over CFD. “We own the baseball field.”d
46 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ AUGUST 2017
Beyondthe Beat