The Huntley Fire Department (HFD) and Huntley Police Department (HPD) softball teams came into the National Night Out Sun City softball First Responders clash having split the first 10 of the annual games.
The HFD outlasted the HPD, 3-1, for its third straight win in the First Responders series and took a 6-5 lead in games won overall at Veterans Memorial Field Aug. 4. The event is organized by the Sun City Neighborhood Watch/Neighbors Helping Neighbors group.
Players wore vintage uniforms with the logos of the Village of Huntley’s 175th and the USA’s 250th anniversaries, and it was noted that Rookies restaurant of Huntley donated the cost. The Sun City Marine Corps Color Guard posted the colors and Fred Joob of Sun City sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.
“I’ve been singing since I was 12 and I’m 74 now,” Joob said, “There’re both great songs. The challenge of the National Anthem is the range of high notes and low notes.”
Joob is part of several musical groups, including Prairie Singers. “We have 70 singers, with all types of voices. We begin our rehearsals for our December show Aug. 25.”
Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft recalled growing up in the village when it had a population of about 1,300.
The game was a close softball clash on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The HFD took a 3-0 lead but the HPD made it close with a run. Brandon Rothbauer was the winning HFD pitcher.
“It’s just a fun softball game – no matter the outcome,” Huntley Fire Chief Dan Wagner said.
“I think Rich Madsen was the MVP of the game for his plays at second base,” Rothbauer said.
Madsen was happy the game was a close one.
“I would much rather win a close contest,” Madsen, a long-time softball player, said.
There were still plenty of NNO fun activities at the village’s Shops on Main, and the final Tuesday evening concert featuring Hillbilly Rockstars at the Huntley Town Square.
