By Christian Warren Freed
Rivalries are part of our tradition. Storied opponents on the field of play harken back to the days before television and the internet. These are the moments defining character, bringing communities together, and, as many of us around here know too well, tearing households apart during certain times of the year.
When we think of rivalries, so many come to mind. UNC versus Duke. Yankees versus Red Sox. The list goes on. But what is the greatest rivalry here in Holly Springs? That’s right, PD versus FD. I’ll even take it a step further. What would you say if I threw out Holly Springs versus everyone?
This friendly competition between the boys and girls in blue and the firefighting specialists is one far exceeding a shiny medal or ticker-tape parade for grownups playing sports. Oh no. This runs deep across the town. The rippling undercurrents of bragging rights and more as these two storied organizations prepare to go head-to-head.
Ting Park will come alive for three days with the sounds of victory and the agony of defeat. Beginning on May 5, softball teams representing five towns will enter a single elimination tournament with bragging rights on the line. Fire and police department teams from Morrisville, Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and our very own Holly Springs will battle it out throughout the weekend to see who raises the trophy and brings the honor of victory to their departments and town.
Break it down even more and you have the age-old rivalry between the police and fire departments. Much like the branches of the military, these proud officers lock arms at work and cast a side eye off duty. Everyone wants to win, but only one team will take it all home.
For some, the sting of defeat continues gnawing a year after the last tournament. Holly Springs Detective Jeremy Rushton stood on the field last year after the last strike was recorded. He and the nine others on the team watched as their rivals from the Fuquay Police Department celebrated a hard-won victory. That sting burrowed into the back of his mind while he awaited the opportunity to get another shot at the title.
Last year, the teams struggled with being shorthanded. After all, there’s only so much a select group can handle over the blistering three-day tournament. This year promises to be different. New faces are taking the field, each excited to contribute and ensure different results this year.
The players have increased practices and incorporated scrimmages to add to the game-like feel during preparations. Their most recent victory over their friends across the street has them ready to go.
Detective Rushton is more than excited. “To members of the department and especially members participating on the team, this event gives us a chance to build chemistry and relationships outside of work by getting to know our co-workers in a setting that does not involve a vest and duty belt. It also provides community members the opportunity to come out and interact with local first responders in a friendly yet competitive atmosphere.”
He adds, “With the announcement that the proceeds were going to GiGi’s Playhouse, we were ecstatic. GiGi’s Playhouse is a wonderful organization, and we are really glad to be able to participate in an event for them.”
Across the street, firefighter Michael Castelloe knows too well just how much this tournament means. He and the others have always gone above and beyond for the community. They supported the fight against breast cancer for years before adding another cause to their list.
The Battle of the Badges started in 2020 as a simple charity game to support various causes and organizations. With last year’s success, Michael reached out to departments in neighboring communities, and the challenge was accepted. This year, eight teams from five different towns will come together in the spirit of friendship, competition, and for a good cause.
Michael says, “That 2022 tournament benefitted the North Carolina Peer Support group, a support program for first responders. After an amazing weekend of fellowship and softball, the Fuquay-Varina Police Department defeated the Holly Springs Police Department to bring the trophy to Fuquay-Varina. The trophy is awarded to the winner of the tournament and gets to stay with that department for a year until the next games are played.”
With the hope of bringing the trophy home for the fire department, Michael adds, “We are thankful to the Town of Holly Springs for the use of the amazing facilities at Ting Park and the Holly Springs Salamanders for the open concessions that will be sold during the event. We also are thankful for everyone involved, from the supporters in the stands to the people volunteering behind the scenes to the participants on the field. Together, our community has made the tournament into a successful event year after year.”
Thanks to their already strong bond with the folks at Gigi’s Playhouse, this year’s event promises to be one of fun, bonding, and those special life moments where memories are made and forever cherished.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a national organization whose mission is to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. They seek a world where individuals with Down syndrome are accepted and embraced in their families, schools, and communities.
The local chapter of GiGi’s Playhouse has been a staple of Wake County for years and has impacted hundreds of lives of all ages. The love and care provided by these amazing volunteers resonate throughout our communities, strengthening the bridge between families. GiGi’s recently moved to their forever home at 370 S. Walker Street, Cary NC.
GiGi’s president, Michelle Pfeiffer, beams over the strengthening of communities, “We are honored to be the beneficiary of Battle of the Badges. This event provides our community with the opportunity to meet first responders during a fun-filled event so if they do meet a first responder during a stressful situation, they already have trust. It also provides our first responders with the opportunity to meet individuals with Down syndrome. Many relationships have grown out of this partnership.”
The relationship between GiGi’s and the Holly Springs Fire Department is longstanding. The folks at Gigi’s regularly claim the HSFD kitchen to prepare an epic lunch—epic in the sense that it’s a time for mingling and strengthening bonds of friendship and community, and EPIC, as Pfeiffer explains, is the Empowerment, Participation, Independence, and Community program bringing GiGi’s adults together with the HSFD. Everyone wins!
So, there you have it, Holly Springs. The field is set. The teams are ready. As if that’s not enough excitement, the town is also holding its annual International Food Festival that weekend. What more can you ask for? A little friendly softball for a worthy cause, great tasting food, and the chance for us to grow closer as a community.
For more information, to volunteer, or become involved with GiGi’s Playhouse: https://gigisplayhouse.org/raleigh/
Be sure to come out and cheer on all your favorite first responders! For more information, visit the Town of Holly Springs website at hollyspringsnc.gov/battleofthebadges.
