Page 41 - FOP August 2019 Magazine

The bats were quiet in the fifth inning – the only inning in which the Finest didn’t score. But the offense erupted again in the sixth, fueled by Daniel Potempa’s three-run home run several rows up in the left-centerfield seats.
“I kind of knew it was going,” said Potempa, who was named one of the game’s MVPs. “Being in an atmosphere like this with the crowd support, putting a nice barrel on the ball and watch it go out, it’s an amazing feeling.”
CPD’s pitching and defense made plenty of statements of their own to keep the Bravest from posing any serious threats. Ten Finest pitchers – Tom Car- avia, Joseph Plaud, Tom Samansky, Joe Ucho, Eric Rodriguez, John Rafferty, Matt Duplessis, Nate Holman, Joe Florek and Tim Blake – limited the Bravest to just eight hits in conditions that could have turned the game into a slugfest.
“It’s just excitement from the first pitch on. No matter how many times you play here, you still get the jitters,” said Robert Peraino, who works gang enforce- ment. “Times have been tough for first responders over the last few years, but when you come out here and see (thou- sands of) people here to support you and show they have your back, it really means a lot.”
With the game in control through- out the night, CPD players once again played to that supportive crowd by toss- ing mini baseballs and bubble gum into
Members of the families of fallen officers Conrad Gary and Eduardo Marmolejo threw out the ceremo- nial first pitches before the CPD Finest game against CFD.
The finest of the Finest
Some of the highlights from CPD’s victory over CFD
the stands on the first base side. They also gave away buckets of baseballs to fans. Autographs aplenty were signed on balls and bats. Probationary Police Offi- cer Adam Vignola gave away the bat he broke on his first swing in a CPD-CFD game.
As an experienced player and instruc- tor, Vignola jumped at the chance to play for the Finest. He said the message was clear from the veterans heading into the charity contest.
“You’re playing for more than just a nine-inning game. Play hard for ev- eryone out here,” Vignola related. “The game is great but playing for the families and going through the ceremony is even better.”
For Gross, the game was another op- portunity to spread the word about the work CPMF is doing to ensure that Gold
Star and other families understand how much they are supported.
“I believe these events, especially this baseball game, help the players connect with the families that have suffered the loss,” he commented. “Hopefully, they appreciate the funds that they raise for the families that allow us to provide sup- port.”
Everything that goes into the game from the team side is well worth it to Ma- cias. The big roster creates some game- day challenges, but it allows more offi- cers to be involved while also accounting for the strenuous work obligations each player has. A successful league season is important, as is the chance for players to get out and unplug from the job.
“Being out there with the buddies, with the brotherhood,” Macias explained. “That’s what really matters. That’s what brings us back to life.”
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