Boston police & fire gear up for 2019 ‘Battle of the Badges’ charity hoops to benefit cancer research
Boston police and fire department reps play in the annual Battle of the Badges charity basketball game, an event created by the A Shot For Life organization. (Courtesy Mike Slonina)
By Mike “Sarge” Riley, 98.5 The Sports Hub
BOSTON — It’s become a tradition in the city when the Boston Police and Fire Department take to the hardwood for charity in the annual “Battle of the Badges” basketball game, hosted by A Shot for Life.
The annual event will be held Saturday, March 23 at Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury at 3 p.m. And for the fourth consecutive year, the organization hopes to raise another $10,000 for cancer research at Mass. General Hospital. A Shot for Life has already raised over $40,000.
Listen to Mike “Sarge” Riley’s interview with CEO/Founder Mike Slonina:
This year the event plans to recognize Saul Polanco, a 6-year-old from Lawrence battling leukemia. The youngster is receiving treatment at Mass. General and he will get the jump ball to start the game before scoring a basket.
In years past, fire commissioner Joe Finn and police commissioner William Gross have been on hand. Both are expected to be in attendance again this Saturday. Perhaps even Spider-Man will make an appearance.
Spider-Man is ready to greet Saul and all of our guests at the #ASFLBattleoftheBadges on Saturday! @bostonpolice @BostonFire pic.twitter.com/uKaY0fd7I2
— A Shot For Life™ (@ASFL_Shoot4Cure) March 19, 2019
A Shot for Life has partnered with the Celtics for a second straight year supporting this event. And much of the city will be illuminated in red and blue on Saturday night, including the Zakim Bridge, TD Garden, and Boston Harbor Hotel. And the Under Armour logo on Boylston Street will be illuminated in either red (for the Fire) or blue (for the Police) to honor the winners of the exhibition.
Admission to the Battle of the Badges is $10 for adults, and children are free. For more information or to make a donation, visit AShotForLife.org.
Click here for all Celtics/NBA updates from 98.5 The Sports Hub.
