Gogebic cops fall to Iron County

By RALPH ANSAMI

ransami@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — In a softball rematch that was 25 years in the making, Iron County cops beat Gogebic County 25-19 in the “Battle of the Badges” at Hurley’s Cary Park on Saturday afternoon.

On a sunny day in which the late Ernie Banks would have said, “Let’s play two,” the softball teams raised money for Domestic Violence Escape, the Range Suicide Prevention Council, HOPE animal shelter and the Joy of Giving program.

The marathon three-hour game was extended to 10 innings by Joe Simonich, who served as announcer and chief ticket promoter.

There were concessions, a 50-50 raffle, T-shirt sales and games for the kiddies.

Iron County Sheriff Tony (Iron Man) Furyk was the only police officer on either roster who had also participated in the “Grudge Match” more than two decades ago at Gotta’s Field in Gile, when then Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson made one of his many stops in Iron County.

Furyk played most of the game Saturday and declared afterward that he was no worse for wear.

Gogebic deputy Cody Smith couldn’t claim the same as he took a nasty tumble in center field in the late innings, but caught the ball. He may be requesting a few days of sick leave from Gogebic County Sheriff Peter Matonich.

Ice packs were running short for both benches around the seventh inning.

Highlights of the game were Gogebic catcher-retiring treasurer Sue Pertile dangling two donuts from a stick, enticing her teammates to score, and a grand slam from Iron County bruiser Cory Mass.

A small grill fire caused a short delay in the game, as Hurley police officer-chef Don Packmayer saw several brats go up in smoke.

The Wisconsin contingent on Saturday consisted of the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, Hurley Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and Iron County District Attorney Matt Tingstad, who replaced Furyk as catcher. His father, Anders Tingstad, played second base for Gogebic County 25 years ago, when Roy Gotham patrolled left field.

The overmatched, but scrappy Gogebic County contingent was represented by the sheriff’s department, Ironwood Public Safety Department and Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police.