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Deering District Police Play Pick-Up Games Against Bridgeport Ballers

By Ed Komenda | February 10, 2016 6:16am

ARMOUR SQUARE — You'll usually find Daniel Godsel throwing criminals behind bars.

On Tuesday afternoon at Armour Square Park, you would have found the Deering District commander throwing up jump shots on the basketball court, where a handful of Chicago Police officers played a few pick-up games against a talented team of neighborhood ballers.

It's a monthly matchup Godsel hopes will bridge gaps between police and the community.

"It's a way to make a positive impact in the community," said Sgt. Jon Hein, 44, who plays a bit of ball here and there.

Hein said the players in Bridgeport are top-notch — and they don't take it easy on the older — often slower — officers.

"There's mutual respect on both sides," Hein said.

Godsel, an avid road runner, keeps himself in good shape, but he said Bridgeport's basketball players could run circles around him.

"It's great," Godsel said.

The officers began playing against the Chicago Park District team, the Armour Square Ballers, last month. It took a few games before the teams warmed up to each other.

"There was a bit of apprehension on both sides," Godsel said. "But at the end of the day, the guys are hugging."

Robert Delgado has been playing at Armour Square since he was 16. The 23-year-old said he hopes the police show up to play again soon.

"It's cool getting to know the cops," he said.

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