Elgin’s own brand of crosstown classic

Elgin firefighters and police officers are dusting off their bats and gloves for the first Guns vs. Hoses “crosstown classic.”

Players will take a friendly rivalry to the softball field Wednesday night, vying for glory — not to mention extra decor for the trophy case.

Lt. Bill Wolf and firefighter John Sardina lead their respective teams, both in it to win.

Wolf said the police team is the same group that won the statewide police softball tournament last year. But acknowledged the firefighters will have age to their advantage.

“We’re definitely not a young team,” Wolf said. “We’re hoping the experience is what’s going to pay off.”

Sardina said the police officers also will have home-field advantage. The game will be played on field six at the Elgin Sports Complex, 709 Sports Way, where the police department team regularly plays.

The game also will function with field rules, meaning a higher pitching arc than the fire department team may be used to.

A fire department employee is making a plaque with space for the winning team and scores to be added for the next 12 years. It will function as a traveling trophy. Wolf said the police department has space all ready in its lobby trophy case, but the fire station has room of its own, according to Sardina, though it’s not his main focus.

“The trophy or the plaque doesn’t mean anything, it’s really winning the game,” Sardina said.

Mayor David Kaptain will throw out the first pitch at 7:15 p.m. and the game will be followed by a home run derby, a raffle and a chance for kids to run around the bases. A fire truck and squad car will also be on hand for tours.

Fans are asked to wear red in support of the fire department and blue in support of the police.