NYPD Wins Greenfield Classic 24-9

Softball game pits cops vs. volunteer safety patrol

September 3, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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City Councilman David Greenfield doesn’t just pass laws. He’s also a sports maven!

Greenfield (D-Borough Park-Bensonhurst-Midwood) plays host every year to the Greenfield Classic, a softball game bearing his name that pits cops from the 66th Precinct against members Shomrim, a volunteer safety patrol group in his council district.

This year’s version of the Greenfield Classic took place Aug. 28 at the Saint Athanasius Sports Complex in Bensonhurst, with the NYPD winning big, 27-9.

But the final score isn’t as important as the sense of community spirit that the softball game brings out, according to Greenfield, who said the event celebrates the close ties between cops and local residents in his district.

This is the fourth year the councilman has sponsored the Greenfield Classic. With their win, the officers of the 66th Precinct have tied the series two games apiece.

“Once again it was great to see so many residents, especially families and children, come out for this annual neighborhood tradition. My congratulations to the NYPD on their decisive victory and to Shomrim for a hard-fought game. I know that everyone who came out had a great time and I am already looking forward to next year’s rematch,” Greenfield said.

The family-friendly event featured free sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks and refreshments.

The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Philip Banks III, the chief of department for the NYPD. Singer Jerry Mandaro performed the National Anthem before the game.

Greenfield, who hired certified umpires to call the game, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. He had fun handing out snacks to children, introducing elected officials to speak to the fans between innings, and presenting the Greenfield Classic trophy to the winning team.

“Councilman Greenfield did a wonderful job of bringing Boro Park Shomrim, the NYPD and the community together for a relaxing evening and some good natured camaraderie. Despite the final score, it was a great game and we are definitely looking forward to a victory next year,” said Motty Katz, team captain for Shomrim.

Deputy Insp. Michael Deddo, commanding officer of the 66th Precinct, said his cops had a great time. “This is a great way to end the summer and a great example of the community and police coming together,” he said.

“My thanks to Councilman Greenfield for hosting this game, and we are already looking forward to finding out next year which team is the best once and for all!” Deddo said.

The precinct commander also tipped his hat to Shomrim. “Shomrim members are literally our partners in fighting crime in the community and without them we wouldn’t be as successful, so it is great to have a chance to come together for a beautiful night,” he said.

Greenfield called the annual softball game a chance to show the community’s appreciation for the NYPD officers and volunteer civilian patrol members who work to keep the neighborhood safe.

“It was great to watch the community come together to enjoy some good-natured competition,” he said.