A few years ago, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Police Officer Robert May had an idea that he thought would help bring camaraderie between members of his department and other police units.
"It was a concept to find a social vehicle that would make our work life more harmonious," said May, whose patrol is based in the offices just outside of the Lincoln Tunnel in Weehawken. "We all have to work together, so it would be good if we all got along. I guess I’ve been the unofficial community relations director at the Lincoln Tunnel, so I had to get something going."
May thought it would be a good idea to start playing softball games within different parts of the department. So three years ago, he organized the first charity softball game, with the Port Authority police officers of the Lincoln Tunnel command taking on the New York Police Department’s 10th Precinct command.
Then, all that was needed was a worthy charity.
That year, May was introduced to Jeanette Mackesy, the daughter of Chief Leonard Mackesy, who heads the Lincoln Tunnel command.
"Jeannette was helping as I was playing Santa Claus for our family day at Christmas time," May recalled. "And she was such a great kid. She was sitting with my daughter and then I realized that she was gone. I asked where she was, and my daughter said that she was checking her blood sugar level. That’s how I learned about juvenile diabetes."
Added May, "I couldn’t think of a better cause to raise money for."
The third annual classic softball series kicks off July 11 at Weehawken Stadium at 6:15 p.m., with the game between the PA police against the 10th Precinct of the NYPD. Other games will pit the PA police against the Port Authority Bus Terminal employees (July 25), and against bridge and tunnel administration, toll takers and employees (August 1), with all proceeds going to three causes.
In addition to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, funds will go to the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad and the 10th Precinct’s Explorers’ Club, where police officers from the precinct take needy children on day trips throughout the summer months.
"We figured that the games are old enough now to be considered classics," said May. "They are fun days and the money goes to good causes."
May said that they have rounded up several sponsors to be involved with the classics, like NY Waterway, Sheraton Suites, the Lincoln Tunnel Exxon, Lisa’s Italian Deli in Hoboken, Poggi Press in Hoboken and attorney Elise DiNardo.
The township of Weehawken chipped in by enabling the games to be played at Weehawken Stadium for no cost.
"Mayor [Richard] Turner has been very gracious to us," May said. "The people of Weehawken interact with us constantly."
Different flavor
The classic series has taken on a different flavor this year, especially after the World Trade Center tragedy Sept. 11, when the Port Authority lost 37 of its brethren to the terrorist attacks.
"We lost one of our own from the Lincoln Tunnel, Officer John Scala," May said. "He was a friend to us and to many others. I know many of our brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice that day, so it’s important to remember them any way we can."
May said that T-shirts have been made and will be sold, honoring the fallen members of the PA police department.
"The shirts say, ‘Always remembered, never forgotten,’" May said. "Any endeavor we do, it’s with our fallen brothers and sisters in mind. It’s important for all of us to remember."
One of the members of the Bus Terminal team perished in the tragedy as well, and his memory will be honored with a plaque before the July 25 game.
"We’re honoring our own and honoring the civilians as well," May said.
As for Jeannette Mackesy, she’s happy and healthy, attending college and working at her first job.
"She’s grown up to be a fine woman," May said. "I’m happy we could help and honor her as well."
For additional information about the Jeanette Mackesy Softball Classics, contact Officer Robert May at (201) 617-8115 during business hours.