Charity softball game raises $28,000 for youth programs

METRO DETROIT — On Sept. 17, members from four different law enforcement agencies came together for friendly — yet competitive — games of softball aimed at raising money for local youth organizations.

For the third year, the Battle of the Badges charity softball tournament kicked off at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, when the first pitch was thrown between officers from the Warren and Sterling Heights police departments.

After Warren defeated Sterling Heights, the Oakland and Macomb county sheriff’s offices faced off, with Macomb County beating Oakland 20-13 in the second game. They moved on to face Warren in the final game but were defeated 7-3.

According to Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Community Liaison Mandy Ford, the event raised $28,000 to be divided between the Warren Police Athletic League, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League and the Sterling Heights Police Department and Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Explorer programs.

“I thought it was a great event,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “It was well attended and it supported a number of great causes, including the sheriff’s PAL program.”

The family-friendly atmosphere at the ballpark also offered concessions, face painting, mascots, vendor tables, K-9 demonstrations and opportunities for kids to run the bases.

“It was a great event. I think people had a lot of fun and we look forward to doing it again,” Bouchard said.