David Wright embraces Ford Battle of the Badges as NYPD, FDNY play ball at Citi Field
This article is sponsored by Tri-State Ford.
David Wright grew up with a father on the police force, so he’s understood from an early age what it means to wear a uniform.
And when the Mets host the New York Police and Fire Departments in the annual Battle of the Badges presented by Ford charity baseball game, the former All-Star third baseman clears his calendar to attend.
“In my opinion, it’s kind of a shame that we have to wait once a year to show our appreciation, our gratitude for these men and women,” Wright told The Post Wednesday as the NYPD and FDNY renewed the rivalry at Citi Field.
“I’ve taught my kids — I got three younger kids — that when you see a first responder, when you see a firefighter, police officer in the community, stop and say thank you. It doesn’t take much time, it doesn’t take much effort, but hopefully it goes a long way to that first responder knowing that we appreciate what they do. It’s a job that not many of us would be very good at.”
Wright presented awards to players from both teams pregame and stuck around to take in the game. So too did a number of fans who had watched the Mets beat the Padres in the first of a single admission doubleheader.
“We are honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Battle of the Badges at Citi Field,” said John Billard, Chairperson of Your Local Ford Stores. “For the past five years, this event has brought the NYPD, FDNY and the communities they serve together in a celebration of teamwork, camaraderie and appreciation. Tonight’s game was a wonderful tribute to the courageous men and women who protect New York every day. We thank the players, organizers and fans who helped make this evening such a success, and Your Local Ford Stores are proud to continue supporting this meaningful tradition.”
This was the fifth annual baseball game between fire and police departments, with
NYPD winning 1-0 this year.
The event, however, is about much more than the result on the field.
“I’m the Bronx Borough commander, I was born and raised in the Bronx. I’m a Yankees fan, I got a Yankees tattoo on my back but listen, I love being here,” said Chris Ritchie of the FDNY, who threw out the first pitch. “This is a beautiful stadium. It’s amazing being on an MLB field and actually to be standing out there and throwing out a pitch is going to be amazing.”
“Most pro guys dream about this their whole lives,” the NYPD’s Mike Abagnale said. “And the fact that we’re just a bunch of police officers, firefighters and get to go live out our dream, play baseball at Citi Field, incredible.”
This was no softball game either. Both sides featured former pro and college players who now serve in their ranks, and outfielders played at normal depth despite the Major League dimensions.
Wright hung out in both dugouts during the game.
“I wish I got to hang out in the dugout while I was playing, because I’d learn a lot of great trash talk and some bad words,” Wright said. “But the intensity and competitiveness on the baseball field is really incredible. The way they work together as a team off the field, and then when they get on the field, they want to beat each other’s brains in is pretty special and something that I respect and appreciate.”
The Mets donated $5 from all single game and group sale tickets to benefit local FDNY and NYPD charities.
While the police and fire department compete regularly — there’s golf, football and a hockey game at UBS Arena, among others — the baseball game holds a special place.
“In both our lines of work, I was a former police officer, we deal with a lot of difficult situations. A lot of negative situations we’re put in, it’s nice to have some positivity and get out and celebrate a beautiful day with NYPD,” First Deputy FDNY commissioner Dan Flynn said. “It’s great for morale for both sides.”
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