Cops Make a Difference with Softball in the Snow

On Friday, several inches of the white stuff fell in the second big snowstorm of the year.

On Saturday, they went out and played softball.

Officers from several area police departments braved the snow and the slush to raise money for the Wish Upon A Star Foundation, which grants the wishes of terminally ill children. 

Romeoville police faced off against Plainfield officers, losing 4-3 but helping raise $1,300 for the cause. Other teams taking the field during the Jan. 21 event at St. Joe's Park in Joliet were the Joliet, Lockport and Will County Sheriff's departments.

“We do it every year,” Romeoville Officer Gary Augustine said of the annual Softball in the Snow tournament. The has been a part of the event since 2005, and Augustine serves on the Wish Upon a Star Foundation board of directors.

While the idea of playing softball in the snow may sound less than appealing to some, Augustine said a core group of officers volunteers every year.

“It’s not a hard sell,” he said. “One of our officers brings a trailer and we have a fire pit out there.”

Plainfield Detective Matt Lehmann said he was recruited to participate in the event by Augustine. Romeoville and Plainfield have faced off for the last four years in a row.

"We've got a three-year winning streak," Lehmann said. "It has become quite a rivalry."

The cold weather didn't deter Plainfield's players, he added.

"The snow kind of adds to the whole thing. We just get out there, make some lunch and watch the other games," Lehmann said. 

This year, for the first time, the two teams battled for a prize: A traveling trophy. Now, it's on display in the lobby at the .

Each year, officers make a donation to participate on the team. Typically, Augustine said, the money is presented to the family of a child battling a life-threatening illness.

According to Augustine, most kids have the same wish: To go to Disneyland or Disney World.

“We [usually] present the money to the family so they would have money while they’re down there,” he said. This year, a recipient has not yet been lined up, Augustine noted, so the money will go directly to Wish Upon a Star.

Though Romeoville lost, handing over the trophy was a small price to pay, according to Augustine.

“It’s for a great cause," he said.