Sirens and softballs: First responders take on coaches in Rocklin community event

The Rocklin Girls Fastpitch Softball League hosted its inaugural "First Responders Versus Coaches" softball game at the Kathy Lund Community Park last week. This event was free to the public with food trucks, live music from a DJ and a fireworks show to celebrate the end of the game. "Our league serves girls ages 4-18 in the Rocklin area. Within our league alone there are over 40 first responders, doctors, nurses, law enforcement, firefighters and active/inactive military," said Alexis Starkey, RGFPSL sponsor coordinator. "We see them week after week for months at a time showing up to support their girls and our coaches, some coming off a night shift and then jumping on the field and others getting off their 12-hour shift and coming to cheer on their girls." The Rocklin Girls Fastpitch Softball League wanted to honor heroes in the community by providing a fun, free, family event for everyone to enjoy. "We decided that our game would be coaches versus first responders because our coaches sacrifice countless hours with their teams throughout the season," Starkey said. "Teaching not just the game of softball but character development and personal growth. Our staff are all parents, friends or even neighbors of players in our league." First responders and their families from all over the greater Rocklin area gathered to participate and cheer on their players and family members. "Events like this remind us that our first responders are more than just the uniforms we see every day. They're men and women with families, friends and lives outside of their roles," Starkey said. "This game gives the community an opportunity to interact with them in a fun, relaxed setting, making them more approachable and allowing people to show their appreciation for the work they do." If you missed this game but want to watch other Rocklin Girls Fastpitch Softball League games this season, visit Rocklinsoftball.org.