It was the weekend of July 19 that the Independence Police Department's FOP Soft Ball Team found themselves in the bottom of the 5th inning of the championship game against the Kansas City Police Department's FOP team in the Bacon Ball Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa.
Both teams were tense with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation. The score was tied with 9 runs apiece and the championship was on the line. Added to the pressure of the moment was a huge storm bearing down on them from the west with dark clouds, lightning, and a lot of rain. Suddenly, the deluge came, and the game was unceremoniously cancelled.
Sadly, but quickly both teams and spectators fled to shelter feeling somewhat frustrated and disappointed at not getting to see the finish of the most exciting game of the tournament. Be that as it may, everyone knew that even with the championship game cancellation there was no denying who the real tournament champions were; the Independence Police FOP Soft Ball Team. They had gone undefeated for the tournament and Kansas City would have had to beat Independence twice to win.
IPD was awarded first place and the team happily returned home with another trophy.
The Independence team of Jason Myers, Shaun Warren, Jeff Pagel, Roger Lane, Chris Sommers, Kurt Wyckoff, Paul Thurman, Rick Romero, Justin Pinkerton, Eddie Turner, and Jake Williams has worked very hard this year to not only bring pride and recognition to the city of Independence, but they have also worked very hard to raise charitable funds for injured or fallen officers and their families.
At this time the IPD team is working with the U.S. Army Soft Ball Team to set up a game between the two in order to raise money for charity. These officers not only enjoy the game of soft ball but the also have a passion for helping others. They pay for their own transportation, lodging, meals, and any other expense in order to participate in the charitable games.
It is also true that their passion for helping others extends to their performance as police officers in Independence. Many of them have been recognized by the department for their service to citizens and we are privileged to have them with us. If anyone would like to help the team in their efforts of continued success, please contact Tom Gentry at 816-325-7258.
