“The Blue” might have taken home this year’s bragging rights, but it was the camaraderie on and off the field that left a lasting impression at Saturday’s Guns and Hoses Softball Tournament in Liberty.
Held on May 17 at Liberty City Park, the showdown between Liberty’s police officers and firefighters drew crowds, cheers, and plenty of laughs. The police team came out strong, dominating the first two games with scores of 14-3 and 16-5. The fire department, though outmatched early on, fought back in game three to clinch a close 15-14 win.
Liberty Police Detective Johnathan Williams said the best part of the tournament wasn’t the scoreboard—it was the chance to spend time with their counterparts at the fire department.
He said, “It definitely built the relationship between us and the firefighters, and all of us and the community, I think.”
Despite the playful rivalry, he added, “Even though we talk a lot of smack, we love and support each other.”
The “smack” was in full swing, especially when Williams joked about the fire crew having to leave the field during the tournament to respond to actual emergency calls.
“They went on emergency calls, but the only fire that was burning them was the one we set and they couldn’t put out,” he said.
Fire Chief Brian Hurst kept the tone light, saying, “It was a great time. We lost but it was fun. I only played a couple of innings, which wasn’t that terrible for me.”
Reflecting on the lopsided early games, he admitted, “They gave us a shellacking for sure. If anyone watched, they could tell why. We had just regular guys on our teams. We aren’t softball players.”
Unlike the firefighters, who stuck with their own team members, the police team was bolstered by players from other area law enforcement agencies. Still, Hurst tipped his hat to the winners.
“They beat us fair and square. I’m humbled by the loss. They deserve their win,” he said.
Between innings and emergency calls, the day proved to be more than a competition. It was a community celebration—where the real win came in the form of unity, teamwork, and a shared sense of humor.
Plans are already in the works for next year’s rematch, and both sides are sure to come back swinging—softball gloves in hand and jokes at the ready. Williams said that since the hot weather put a slight damper on the games this year, they are looking to move next year’s tournament to the fall or early spring.
Photos from the games:
Weight watchers program.
Great job guys! I wish I could have been there to watch it.