Wounded Warriors take the field in Ridge for New York first

July 15, 2014 Editorial Staff
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Bay Ridge went to bat for the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball team (WWAST), and it returned the compliment, taking on the Bay Ridge All-Star Sluggers and the Local Heroes Team, both able-bodied teams, in a double-header that marked the first time WWAST has played in New York City.

On Saturday, July 12, the free day of baseball was held at 79th Street and Shore Road Park, where many came out to watch our nation’s heroes play America’s favorite pastime – sponsored by State Senator Marty Golden, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton, NYC Joint Services and more.

The Bay Ridge All-Star Slugger team is composed of Bay Ridge merchants, who won their game 15-13; the Local Heroes team won the second game, 17-15.

The event was made possible thanks to the Bay Ridge Committee. Bay Ridge Committee member Chip Cafiero said, “It was great. When I got the first opportunity [about having them play in Bay Ridge], I jumped on it. And it turned out that it was well worth it.”

The three-year-old WWAST consists of wounded military veterans. The WWAST is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise awareness, educate and inspire the public about the strength and resiliency of wounded warriors by showing how a positive attitude, commitment, dedication and perseverance allow them to overcome obstacles.

“They do it every weekend, travel all around, year-round. A few are from Texas, California, Florida, from all over the country and they fly them in to play these games, educate the public, especially the kids, [to show them] that you can’t let these things get you down,” Cafiero said, “and, that you can overcome anything.”

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