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Chicago Police To Take On Young All-Stars in Baseball Game

By Benjamin Woodard | August 7, 2014 5:36am
 All-star Johnny Payton, 33, trots to first base during the game against the Chicago Police Department last year.
All-star Johnny Payton, 33, trots to first base during the game against the Chicago Police Department last year.
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DNAinfo/Benjamin Woodard

WEST ROGERS PARK — A team of Chicago police and the Peace League all-stars will go head-to-head Thursday on the softball diamond.

The annual game at the park formerly known as Thillens Stadium, 6404 N. Kedzie Ave., pits the best players from BUILD Chicago's youth league against members of Chicago's Finest, all in hopes of breaking down barriers and keeping young men off the streets.

Many of the all-star players are former or current gang members.

The game has been a tradition for decades, but the boys in blue have only lost three times. Last year, the police edged out an extra-inning win 13-12.

Softball games will start at 3 p.m. Thursday. The final game, between police and all-stars, typically begins about 7 p.m.

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