[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Councilman David G. Greenfield’s fourth annual Greenfield Classic softball game was once again a huge neighborhood hit, with residents from across the district in attendance last night to watch the NYPD’s 66th Precinct defeat Boro Park Shomrim 24-9 to level the all-time series at two games apiece. This great family-friendly event featured complimentary sandwiches, hot dogs, snacks and refreshments and provided local residents with an opportunity to enjoy a free evening of fun right in their neighborhood. This year’s first pitch was thrown out by NYPD Chief of Department Philip Banks III and local sensation Jerry Mandaro regaled the crowd with the singing of the national anthem prior to the start of last night’s game at the St. A’s Sports Complex. After getting out to a large early lead, the NYPD was able to hold off a late rally by Shomrim to win by a wide margin.

“Once again it was great to see so many residents, especially families and children, come out for this annual neighborhood tradition. My congratulations to the NYPD on their decisive victory and to Shomrim for a hard-fought game. I know that everyone who came out had a great time and I am already looking forward to next year’s rematch,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“Councilman Greenfield did a wonderful job of bringing Boro Park Shomrim, the NYPD and the community together for a relaxing evening and some good natured camaraderie. Despite the final score, it was a great game and we are definitely looking forward to a victory next year,” said Motty Katz, Boro Park Shomrim coordinator and team captain.

“This is a great way to end the summer and a great example of the community and police coming together. My thanks to Councilman Greenfield for hosting this game, and we are already looking forward to finding out next year which team is the best once and for all. Shomrim members are literally our partners in fighting crime in the community and without them we wouldn’t be as successful, so it is great to have a chance to come together for a beautiful night,” said Deputy Inspector Michael Deddo, commanding officer of the 66th Precinct.

Councilman Greenfield has hosted the Greenfield Classic each year since taking office in 2010 as a way to show the community’s appreciation for the NYPD officers and volunteer civilian patrol members who work so hard each day and night to keep the neighborhood safe. It has quickly become one of the district’s most anticipated late-summer events, drawing hundreds of residents to St. A’s Sports Complex on 20th Avenue near the border of Boro Park and Bensonhurst.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this a huge success, including the St. A’s community for allowing us to use their beautiful field. It was great to watch the community come together to enjoy some good-natured competition. I am proud to host this event for members of the NYPD and Boro Park Shomrim in recognition of their incredible work on behalf of our community throughout the year,” added Councilman Greenfield.

(YWN Desk – NYC)