St. John's University Athletics
Chris Mullin Participates in "True Blue" Charity Softball Game
6/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Photo Gallery VIDEO: Behind-The-Scenes
QUEENS, N.Y. - One of New York basketball's most revered names, St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin took his talents to the softball diamond on Wednesday night, participating in the "True Blue" Charity Softball Game at Yankee Stadium benefitting the Silver Shield Foundation, the NYC PBA Widows' and Children's Fund, and the families of fallen NYPD officers Brian Moore, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.
"I have family and friends that are police officers," said Mullin. "It's close to my heart and I think it's wonderful that people are getting together and honoring them. The loss is what stays with you, but when people get together good things happen. I think Boomer and Carton have done a nice thing rallying and bringing people together, so hopefully it's a little comfort."
The game, organized by Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton of the eponymously named WFAN morning show and the New York Yankees, featured a long list of celebrity participants. From politicians (Chris Christie and Rudy Giuliani) to baseball legends (St. John's own John Franco, Joe Torre and Bernie Williams) to gridiron titans (Eric Decker, Steve Weatherford, Todd Bowles, Bill Cowher and Rex Ryan), the event brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment to benefit a worthy cause.
Mullin, who said before the game that the last time he played softball was four decades ago on the concrete of Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, performed solidly. Despite the long layoff, the 6-6 lefty pitched and flashed some leather in centerfield.
The event drew more than 17,000 spectators to Yankee Stadium, which was generously donated by the Yankees for the event.
The Silver Shield Foundation was established in 1982 by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner to help with the educational costs for children of police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty in the tri-state area. Over the past 30 years, the foundation has helped the families of fallen heroes cover the cost of tuition from prep school through graduate school.
The PBA Widows' and Children's Fund provides aid and assistance to widows, widowers and eligible dependents of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Officers Moore, Ramos and Liu have all tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in the past six months, the victims of unspeakable acts of violence against the men and women sworn to protect the city.
