Mets and David Wright to host Battle of the Badges baseball game at Citi Field – QNS

The New York Mets hosted the annual Battle of the Badges baseball game between the NYPD and FDNY at Citi Field for the third consecutive year on Thursday, September 12, with Mets legend David Wright serving as host of the event for the second consecutive year.

This year's Battle of the Badges had special significance as it took place just one day after the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. After such a solemn occasion, the game brought much-needed joy to service members who look forward to this annual event.

“This game has always been one of my favorite days of the year,” said NYPD Officer and baseball team captain PJ Ragone. “Playing it on a major league field in a major league stadium makes it even more of one of my favorite days of the year. Being able to play and support our charity work for [NYCPBA] The Widows and Children Fund and the FDNY Foundation mean a lot to us. It's a tough week, but it's a good community event for fans to come together and have fun during such a tough time.”

Ragone stressed how important it was to him and the other NYPD and FDNY officers that Wright came to the event and interacted with the players. “It's fun to have a baseball player like him representing the first responders and being a part of this all-around cool event, as a presenter and host,” he said.

Wright, the son of a Norfolk, Virginia, police officer, greatly appreciates the work and sacrifice of these employees. He was deeply moved by the visits to the firehouses that were severely affected by 9/11 during his time on the force. He looked forward to these visits every year to thank the brave employees who risked their lives for New York City.

“Athletes are put on pedestals, but I think those brave men and women who step onto the field and sit in the stands should be the ones who are put on a pedestal,” Wright said. “I think the best part is [of this game] is really able to say 'thank you.' It's really good baseball. The trash talk is top notch. The majority of the money raised tonight will be determined by the police and fire departments where it goes. Not only is it a fun night, it's a night to thank these brave men and women and raise money for a good cause. Where most people run from danger, these brave men and women run toward it.”

Before the game began, Wright addressed the crowd to thank them for their support of the first responders.

“Just a quick thank you to all the first responders,” Wright said. “I grew up in a family of first responders and you have no idea how important this game tonight is to me. Any chance I get, any chance my family gets, any chance the New York Mets organization gets, we love to shake hands with these heroes.”

Wright wasn't the only Met watching the event. Mets relief pitcher Sean Reid-Foley and all-arounder Jeff McNeil both came to enjoy the game.

This year marked the 26th annual game between the NYPD and the FDNY. New York's Bravest won this year, 5-1, thanks to a three-run sixth inning that broke a 1-1 tie. The win gave the FDNY a 14-12 lead in the series.

“A day like today, after 9/11, was the greatest honor to represent the fire department,” said FDNY officer and player Josh Burgos after the game. “No other game is more important than today.” [Playing on a major league field] is a dream come true. I am grateful to the Mets and [Battle of the Badges sponsor] Ford for doing this for us.”