COVINGTON, KY – On Thursday, August 17, the City of Covington invites citizens to cheer on the Covington Police and Fire Departments as they participate in the Florence Freedom’s “Covington Guns & Hoses” softball pre-game. The softball game starts at 5:35 p.m. at the UC Health Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042.
Presented by Smoke Justis, the “Covington Guns & Hoses” softball game is a part of the Florence Freedom’s “Covington Blue Sox” tribute night and will start prior to the baseball game. The baseball game starts at 7:05 p.m.
Mayor Joseph U. Meyer stated, “This will be a fun evening for the whole family. The City invites the entire community to show their support and root on the Covington Police and Fire Departments and enjoy themselves.”
As homage to Northern Kentucky’s first professional baseball team, the Florence Freedom will dress in vintage Covington Blue Sox uniforms fully equipped with knickers and beanies.
The Covington Police Department team is led by Officer Ryan Eldridge and the Fire Department team is led by Fire Engineer Sean Schatzman. Each team will consist of approximately 15 players.
Officer Ryan Eldridge stated, “I always look at events, such as this, as a way to show the public we're humans too. We all have families and friends that respect what we do, but always want us to come home safe at night.
“Softball is something many of us enjoy as a hobby outside of these uniforms. There's always a little rivalry between cops and firemen. We mess with one another on a regular basis. But when it comes down to it, we at Covington, have each other's backs. We work as a team to ensure everyone makes it home to their families safely, day in and day out.”
Sean Schatzman stated, “The Fire Department is looking forward to playing a friendly game with our Police Department and enjoying a fun night with the Florence Freedom. I want to thank the Florence Freedom for including us in this event.”
On the completion of the softball game, Mayor Meyer and former Covington mayors Irvin T. “Butch” Callery and Denny Bowman will throw out the ceremonial first pitches with a golden baseball, just like Covington Mayor George “Pat” Phillips did back in 1913 during the Blue Sox home opener.
Additionally, Crosstown Baseball will conduct a parade on the field prior to the start of the baseball game. The game features $1.00 12 oz. domestic beer and $4.00 20 oz. craft beer drink specials.
Click here to purchase tickets. The City encourages purchasers to use the special offer code “Covington” and 20% of the ticket proceeds will go back to the Crosstown Baseball League.
Crosstown Baseball works closely with the community and local organizations to create affordable baseball and softball league opportunities for the area’s youth.
Additionally, Crosstown Baseball manages the scheduling and coordination of the baseball and softball leagues and tournaments that take place at Bill Cappel Youth Sports Complex and various other fields throughout Northern Kentucky and Ohio.
For more information, visit www.florencefreedom.com or call 859-594-4487.