Members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office donned a different uniform on Nov. 16. A softball game at the Founders Park baseball field pitted the correction deputies against road deputies for some friendly competition on the diamond — all to raise money for the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. The road deputies came away with the victory over the corrections crew. The day also featured live entertainment, local craft vendors, face painting and other fun games. Local radio personality Dougie Hitchcock provided the play-by-play while Wood Campbell provided the sound equipment.
Proceeds support the museum and learning center, located on the property of the Islander Resort. The museum features exhibits on the rich pasts of people, places, legends and events that shaped the Florida Keys.
“Saturday was as much a ‘friendraiser’ as it was a ‘fundraiser,’” said Rich Russell, board chairman for the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation. “It was a perfect opportunity to bring more exposure to our community’s History and Discovery Center. The message that we want to consistently promote is that the center belongs to our community and we want it to be a constant source of pride for all.”
Detention deputy Al Delgado organized the inaugural Softball Slugfest. His wife, Cynthia, serves as the administrative coordinator at the Keys History & Discovery Center.
“I was picking her up for lunch in August, and they (the center staff) were talking about coming up with an idea to raise money. I don’t usually eavesdrop, but it caught my attention because I love doing things, especially when children are involved,” Delgado said. “They’re looking to make it more kid-friendly. I’m the second oldest of nine, so I took it personally and thought of an idea.”
Delgado said he looks forward to year two of the slugfest between the road and corrections deputies.
“Everyone thought it was different, not in the sense it hasn’t been done before, but corrections and deputies never had this type of game,” Delgado said. “We (corrections deputies) are kind of the lost boys in the county; no one ever sees us because we’re in the building. This is the best way to get us out together for a friendly game all while supporting the community.”
