May 1st 2024 Update

Heroes at Bat stands for Battling Addiction Together. Heroes at Bat was born out of a vision of bringing together first responders and citizens in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Inspired by the Survivor Squad in Lawrenceburg KY, we wanted to bring the same unifying event to Shelby County. The sight of those in recovery playing on the same field with those who had arrested them or treated an overdose was remarkable. There was no judgement, only a good time playing ball.

Using ties in law enforcement, EMS, fire service, probation and parole, corrections, and the judicial system as well as local drug and alcohol rehabilitation providers, the first Heroes at Bat was held in September 2023. What was intended to be a single game, quickly proved the concept was working and another team joined, turning the day into a three-game series. Due to overwhelming support, Heroes at Bat will host two full day tournaments in 2024.

Awake Ministries is a local non profit that offers long term residential recovery and intensive outpatient services at no cost to those they serve. The program offers faith-based, educational and service driven resources from the community. By partnering with Awake, Heroes at Bat is joining residents in recovery with first responders together in a fun way, on the softball field. This allows for everyone to be on the same level, all out to have a good time supporting each other.

The heart of first responders truly is with community. An unintentional bonus happened at the first tournament: the day raised over $350 for Shop with a Cop. This year, each tournament will focus on local non-profits donating 100% of funds raised to more organizations. April’s tournament raised over $2,200 for WHAS Crusade for Children.

The first tournament was held in Bagdad at the Ruritan Club. Due to overwhelming interest, the location moved to Clear Creek Park softball fields to accommodate up to eight teams. Heroes at Bat is much more than a single person, with the help many in the community, it will continue to grow. Each agency and organization represented in the spring tournament brought so much good to our community through outreach and service.