BRIDGEPORT, Ill. – On Thursday evening, the Chicago Police Department’s Knights Baseball Club hosted a second‑annual charity softball game against members of the City Council at Rate Field, the White Sox’s South Side stadium. The event, organized to strengthen community ties, drew a modest crowd of about 150 spectators, including families of both police officers and aldermen.
Game Highlights
Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén, a local legend, tossed the first pitch alongside interim police superintendent Fred Waller and mayoral hopeful John Kelly. Aldermen arrived in full gear, with Ald. Peter Chico (10th) leading a vocal delegation of supporters.
The early innings were competitive, with the council logging a few hits and Chico making a notable diving catch. By the end of the third inning the score was tied 1‑1, reflecting the Knights’ promise to keep the contest “fun and competitive,” as president Eric Bermudez explained.
Momentum shifted in the fourth inning when the police club scored four runs on a pair of doubles. Ald. William Hall (6th) made several impressive catches at first base, but the Knights continued to dominate. By the fifth inning the police led 13‑3, and the game soon turned into a relaxed showcase as children of participants ran the bases as pinch‑runners.
Despite a brief rally by Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), who singled home Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) in the seventh inning, the final score stood at 16‑6 in favor of the Knights. The police team lifted an engraved silver cup, securing the trophy for another year.
Community Impact
Proceeds from the game will support the Knights’ charity, which focuses on building stronger relationships between law‑enforcement and Chicago neighborhoods through baseball events and fundraisers. Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) emphasized the importance of “showing CPD in a different light” and fostering mutual respect.
South Side Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) joked that the police should have let the council win during budget season, noting the playful rivalry. “We’ll remember CPD whooping us this bad during budget season,” she laughed.
The event also highlighted the city’s ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between elected officials and public safety officers, offering a rare moment of unity amid Chicago’s often contentious political climate.
Looking Ahead
Organizers hope the charity softball series will continue to grow, drawing larger crowds and raising more funds for community programs. With the White Sox leading the American League Central, the partnership between the team, the police, and city officials underscores a shared commitment to civic pride and cooperation.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
