SARATOGA SPRINGS - A new baseball team comprised of Saratoga Springs firefighters and police officers, as well as other area professionals from Troy Fire, Airport Fire, New York State Corrections, and Malta Ridge Fire Company has formed with the intention of donating all proceeds to a different charity each game. Speaking with Chris Stewart, a firefighter in the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and creator of the team, said the idea came about after the past few seasons playing on a slow pitch softball team with a few other people in the department. They thought it would be nice to form a baseball team that would play other departments. This is the only fire and police baseball team in the Capital District.
“Ultimately, “ Stewart explained, “we want to become as organized as teams like NYPD. We are putting together an administrative staff to help build a solid foundation to grow this team.”
After only two practices, Stewart could already feel the chemistry between the team.
“We joke around with each other, we have our baseball superstitions that you hear about, and overall we have a fun time playing the game.”
It wasn’t difficult for Stewart to pull together a roster, everyone involved loves baseball but most of all, wants to play and raise money for good causes. Their first game is planned for August 19 against Hudson Valley in Saratoga Springs at East Side Rec and they are slated for a 7:00 p.m. start time. The Hudson Valley Guns N Hoses team consists of police department and fire department personnel from the Poughkeepsie and Kingston area. The proceeds from this game is going specifically toward the New York State Police PBA Signal 30 Fund to be given to the family of Trooper Joel Davis. Trooper Davis was shot in the chest after responding to a call on the evening of Sunday July 8. He succumbed to his wounds shortly after.
“Our goal is for every home game we have is to play for a different first responder or local charity. We all want to play and raise money for good causes.”
While they only have one game scheduled so far, Saratoga Horses Baseball Club is looking to play roughly six to seven games a year in Saratoga Springs and in other locations. They are in the process of scheduling a game for September against the New York State Baseball Team to be played in Saratoga Springs. They are also speaking with Toronto Police Department Baseball Team about scheduling a game and have contacted several other teams across the northeast to schedule games against.
Stewart has his hands full, he helps schedule and coordinate and he will also primarily play the catcher’s position on the team but will also be spending time in the outfield.
“We have been practicing for two weeks and have our first scrimmage against a Saratoga MSBL team with a few more practices after that. Ultimately, our goal is to become an organization that continues to play for years to come.”
