Sep. 13, 2024 By Ethan Marshall
The New York Mets held the annual “Battle of the Badges” baseball game between the NYPD and FDNY at Citi Field for a third straight year on Thursday, Sept. 12, with Mets legend David Wright acting as the host of the event for the second year in a row.
This year’s Battle of the Badges held extra significance, taking place just a day after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Following such a solemn occasion, the game brought much-needed joy to the service workers, who look forward to this annual event.
“This game was always one of my favorite days of the year,” NYPD Officer and baseball team captain P.J. Ragone said. “Playing it on a big league field in a big league stadium makes it even more so one of my favorite days of the year. To be able to play and do our charity stuff for [NYCPBA] Widows and Children’s Fund and the FDNY Foundation means a lot. It’s a heavy-hearted week, but it’s a good community event for fans to come out and have a good time during such a hard time.”