This year is a special year as it marks the 10th year anniversary of 9-11 and it is especially fitting that this week the United States brought the mastermind behind 9-11 before the ultimate judge. During that horrible day nearly ten years ago, 23 NYPD officers and the 37 Port Authority officers lost their lives and it is the goal of this tournament to help keep their memory alive and honor their ultimate sacrifice. Throwing out the first pitch this year will be Kathy Vigiano and her children. Kathy is the wife of Officer Joseph Vigiano who perished during the attack.

On the Thursday prior to the tournament, the Blues will be hosting an annual golf outing at Rock Hill Country club in Manorville on Thursday June 2nd which will have a complete brunch prior to tee off. Dinner will the golf outing with a two hour open bar and many prizes. The cost of this event will be 150.00 per golfer.

On Friday night, the Blues will be hosting a welcoming party at Arthur Avenue on Main Street in Smithtown. There will be a food and drink special for all the guests.

The softball games will begin on Saturday after the opening ceremonies. There will be the traditional two games of bracket play followed by double elimination, which will be completed on Sunday. After the games on Saturday, the Blues will host another party at Arthur Avenue featuring The B Side band. Players will have free admission as well as food and drink specials.

The tournament director is Rick Tirelli. For those who know Rick, you know it is difficult to find anyone who understands the police brotherhood as much as Rick does. Rick has been a NYPD officer for 28 years and he is currently assigned to the Manhattan South Homicide Squad. Rick was former Secretary of the Detectives' Endownment Association and he is Manager and founder of the NYPD Blues which were established in 1998. On the softball field Rick has had much success as he has guided the Blues to Two Dayton National Championships. In 2010, Rick led the Blues to their first World Series Championship in Las Vegas Nevada. In addition to his teams’ successes, Rick has been named the PoliceSoftball.com Manager of the year in 2009 and he is a current nominee for the PoliceSoftball.com Hall of Fame.

Overall this tournament is an East Coast tournament that is on the rise and one we suspect will only grow as time goes on. This tournament has a great location, is played at a great time of the year for the East Coast and is hosted by a very respected team.

If you have any questions regarding this tournament, please contact Rick Tirelli at 646-423-3903