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and you want to represent the team well,” said Murphy, who struck out eight. “I got into a lit- tle groove and tried to do what I could.”
Murphy also pointed out the poignancy of the pre-game events that served as a reminder of those who died in the line of duty. The Warrior Watch revved its motorcycles as
members circled the field, a combined po- lice-fire color guard marched together onto the field for the National Anthem and pipes and drums played solemnly.
“It hits you a little more when they do the opening cere- monies. You kind of realize you’re not in the stands, you’re on the field representing the department,” Murphy ex- plained. “It’s an honor and privilege.”
John Gordon, whose brother Michael died on the job in 2003, offered the perspective of survivors when he said the appreciation of the moment goes both ways.
“It’s an upbeat event – not a memorial ceremony – something you can celebrate,” Gordon emphasized. “These guys really go above and beyond. These guys are pros. They know how to put on a show. For them to keep doing this for 17 years, it’s important to the families.”
Macias played college baseball and relishes every chance to get between the lines on a “cathedral” of a Ma- jor League field with perfect grass. But his connection to CPMF’s mission runs deeper.
“I personally lost an instructor of mine, Thor Soder- berg,” he revealed. “We were in the academy when it
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Beyondthe Beat