Page 44 - August 2018

Big crowd roots CPD to victory in annual rivalry game
n BY DAN CAMPANA
n PHOTOS BY NICK SWEDBERG
Detective Matthew Vaci understands that he represents something of a rare breed in a city with a very definitive baseball line of demarcation.
“I’m a South Side Cubs fan. There’s not many of us,” said Vaci, who is in his fifth year as a Chicago Police Officer.
On just about any other night at Guaranteed Rate Field, Vaci might have faced the wrath of White Sox fans defending the pride of their beloved ball club. But, on this beautiful summer evening, he was rooting for the home team – CPD Finest.
In a ballpark that has played host to its share of crosstown classics, the annual meeting between the Finest and the CFD Bravest arrived with each side motivated by a love of the game
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and commitment to remembering brothers lost in the line of duty during the past few months. And, they did it before argu- ably one of the biggest crowds ever to attend the game, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the fire department’s Gold Badge Society.
“It’s a great turnout, not at all what I expected. There’s way more people than I thought honoring fallen firefighter (Juan Bucio) and Commander (Paul) Bauer,” Vaci said. “It’s a great turnout for both of them.”
Hundreds, if not more, of CPD supporters packed the seats behind the home dugout and down the third-base line. For some, it was a chance to cheer for their favorite Finest player. For others, it was a night out with the family, away from the stresses of the job.
“I think it’s great that there is such a good turnout because
So Finest