Sheriffs play LA Police in a Friendly Game of Rivalrous Baseball

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department "Hooks" baseball team was established in 2009 when the Department hosted the Western States Police and Fire Games, one of the largest multi-sport athletic events in the world involving law enforcement and fire service employees, in events ranging from angling to wrestling.

The Hooks have since have competed in numerous baseball competitions and charity events. Their mission is to promote camaraderie and physical fitness within the ranks of fellow personnel and other law enforcement agencies, and community outreach through various exhibition and charity baseball events. The 17 Hooks team members come together from Custody, Patrol, Detective, and Executive Divisions, of the ranks from deputy to lieutenant, to make a cohesive, fluid team.

The LASD Hooks were invited to play a friendly 'rivalrous' baseball game Friday, July 8, 2016, against the LAPD Centurions at El Cariso Community Regional Park – Los Angeles County, in Sylmar. Hundreds of local kids enjoyed the 15th annual "Swing-A-Thon" event arranged by LAPD personnel. It was packed full with games, sports clinics, dancing, prizes, and snacks prepared just for them. LASD static displays included four large, deputized horses from the Mounted Enforcement Team, an LASD monster show truck, a black and white show car, and the Recruitment booth.

When the kids' energy waned, it was time for the adults to play, too. The Hooks engaged in the accepted challenge and played the Centurions in a good, old fashioned game of baseball. Assistant Sheriff Todd Rogers threw out a first pitch, and it was on!

The guys played a great, competitive game, abbreviated to seven innings to accommodate time and the heat. The Hooks hit the only home run of the game, but figured their opponents suffered enough in the summer sun and let the Centurions off the "hook" to win 3-1.

This was the first time the Hooks lost in five years, but it was still a win for everyone because they enjoyed a summer afternoon playing ball in the park, seeing the kids were happy and strengthening relationships with each other and within the communities we serve.

For questions or information about the LASD Hooks Baseball Team, contact team manager, Sergeant Matt Verzola, at 213-229-3121.

To learn more about the Swing-A-Thon event, click: http://www.lapdbaseballteam.com/