It was all sunshine and blue skies down in San Diego for the California Firemen’s Summer Olympics which took place Saturday, July 27th through Friday, August 2nd. The games are an opportunity for all California firefighters to get together in friendly competition which promotes physical fitness, camaraderie and provides an informal forum for exchanging ideas. Throughout the years, the Summer Olympics have been held in Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Davis, Irvine, Santa Clara, San Jose, San Diego, Palo Alto, Bakersfield, Santa Ana, Ventura, Concord, Sacramento and Livermore/Pleasanton. The games are governed by the California Firemen’s Athletic Association, with a local association bidding to be the host and bring the games to their community.
The San Diego City Firefighter’s Local 145 proudly hosted the 2013 event. With a great turnout from So Cal & Nor Cal alike and perfect weather, San Diego was the superb setting for good times with family and friends . . . and softball!
Los Angeles City Fire Department was represented with four teams: Gang Green, City Boys, and City Brown in Division 1, and Gang Gray in Division 3. Day 1 and Day 2 started with pool play and the City Boys came out hot with four straight wins and no losses, setting the tone for Division 1 and having wins over some strong teams. Both Green and Brown started out with decent records in pool play to set themselves up for the double elimination bracket that started on Day 2. City Boys came up short of a medal despite playing great ball. They are a talented young team to be watched in the future. Gang Green, with a long time winning reputation, played all the way through to the semifinals, losing to City Brown and added to their accomplishments a Bronze Medal in Division 1. Congrats Green!
The finals were set – City Brown vs. Millbrae Fire (or So Cal vs. Nor Cal). Millbrae torched through the brackets having not lost a single game and having two wins over City Brown. One of those wins came earlier that day with Millbrae winning in style with a walk off home run. City Brown was faced with the task of having to win two straight games over Millbrae due to the double elimination format. Game one, just like their first meeting earlier that day, ended in walk off fashion but with City Brown coming out with the win. In the final game City Brown held a small lead for most of the game and their defense was the difference holding off Millbrae for the win.
True to Fire Department tradition, the games were filled with family, friends, food, fun, and camaraderie. As for all the softball teams that played this year, the sportsmanship and respect from every team was exceptional. Those who attend always look forward to the Summer Olympics as a big part of their summer. It’s a great experience for firefighters looking for a fun vacation. From Crossfit to Motocross, soccer to shooting, the Olympics offers 30 different sporting events to choose from. Check it out at www.firefighterolympics.org.
In the end, after 11 games over four days, LA City Brown took home the GOLD. Rumor has it that it has been eight years since a So Cal team won Gold in Division 1 softball. Good job boys!
By Joe Steiner
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LA. City Brown Wins The Gold!
Top Row: Chad Keso, Rick Garcia, Dan Griley, Chad Corona, Eddie Matamoros, Matt Lee, Bobby Ward
Bottom Row: Kyle Halsted, Mike Pagliuso, Joe Steiner, Danny Lopez
Not Pictured: Tony Jordan, Brian Smith
