“I know the firemen are in better shape than the police officers,” San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said.
By Josh Baugh
The San Antonio Express-News
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood stood tall on the steps of City Hall and made no qualms about expecting his “studs” to whoop their police counterparts tonight at a charity softball game.
Hood held a shiny blue softball bat and donned a wide smile as he ribbed Police Chief William McManus during a news conference Friday on the 2007 Battle of the Badges, a game they hope will help them reach a goal of raising $750,000 for the annual City of San Antonio Charitable Campaign.
“I see a lot of police officers here and I see a lot of my studs over here and I don’t want to stoke it too much because I’m real good at that,” he said. “But we want you to come out. It’s going to be very competitive, and I know the firemen are in better shape than the police officers, so we’ll see if that holds true.”
McManus, a bit more modest, said facetiously that he has no expectations for his cops.
“There’s no pressure on my officers,” he said. “I told them that the city is going to be watching and it’s for bragging rights.”
First pitch is at 7 p.m., when the SAPD All-Stars take on the SAFD All-Stars at Wolff Stadium.
The event is a fundraiser for the City of San Antonio’s Charitable Campaign that wraps up next month. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the event includes several activities for children, such as a bounce house and face painting.
Also, a firetruck and the Police Department’s “Eagle” helicopter will be on display, said David Hebert, a program coordinator for the campaign. The event is free and open to the public, but city officials will be seeking donations.
“We do want people to understand that all of the money that’s donated and involved in this campaign stays in San Antonio,” Hebert said. “Every one of the charities that will get this money is here in San Antonio.”
Copyright 2007 San Antonio Express-News