GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Fans filled the stands at Dick Jones Field in Manuel Vierra Park Friday evening, May 14, 2021, as firefighters from local fire stations loosened their arms and stretched their legs for the annual Red Suspenders slow pitch softball game. In year’s past, the game was between Guns (law enforcement) and Hoses (firefighters), but the past few years of playing have been difficult for law enforcement to fill a full team. This year, Fire Captain at Biggs station, Dustin Mattos, coordinated to fill two teams of firefighters and played a Hoses vs. Hydrants softball game.

The rules were simple: play ball, have fun, and each team could only hit five home runs in the game until the other team hit five. Playing on the Little League fields, these firefighters really showed the crowd how far they could launch a softball. In a back and forth battle, both teams hung close until the fifth inning stretch when both teams took a break to watch or participate in a ten pitch home run derby. 

Fifteen participants took ten swings to see how many balls they could get to fly over the fence. After each participant got a chance, there was a four way tie to see who would take home the title of champion. Each participant still in the running had launched four home runs. Sudden death was where each participant got one swing. In the second round of sudden death, fireman, Kyle Duran, launched a ball over the fence to take home this year’s championship and the cash. 

When the game resumed, the Hydrants took a commanding lead over the Hoses and went on to win the game 16-10 in seven innings. 

A very special thank you to Mr. Edson Smith for umpiring as he does every year, the firefighters, fans, and Gridley Little League for putting on and participating in a great show.