The Band of Brothers veterans group is kicking off its spring softball season by welcoming in members from the Santa Maria Police Department.
The Spring Softball Opening Ceremonies brought out seven teams on Friday afternoon, including a new squad made up of law enforcement officials from SMPD.
The ceremonies featured a performance of the National Anthem, player awards and an opening pitch from a special guest.
The Band of Brothers is a group of military veterans that reach out to other veterans, as well as law enforcement and crisis teams, to fight depression and prevent veteran suicide. The softball league is the group’s way of promoting comradery and brotherhood between U.S. veterans.
“Officers are taking a lot of heat for the choices. They have to make sometimes split decisions and you know we’re here to show that we support them. We support our communities. We stand for what’s right and what’s good and we’re going to build that allegiance,” Band of Brothers CEO and President Steven Baird said.
They involve themselves in local events and programs, including collecting items to donate for the Salvation Army.
There are ten games scheduled for the season, held every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hagerman Sports Complex in Santa Maria.
Band of Brothers also hosts a weekly bowling league at Rancho Bowl on Sunday nights.
