Pitching for a Purpose: MLB Legends Play Ball at the Nick Loeb Foundation ‘Party with the Police’

By Michael R DeLuca

Major League Baseball icons supported a great cause on Saturday: The 2025 Nick Loeb Foundation’s ‘Party with the Police.’

The event was the foundation’s 4th annual party to support the children of law enforcement officers from White Plains, Harrison, and Greenwich Police Departments by raising funds toward college scholarships.

The event took place at a private residence in Purchase, New York, with a BBQ lunch, live music, swimming and activities including a 50-foot water slide.

In what was truly a ‘field of dreams’ experience, young people had a chance to play on the same field as Major League Baseball legends.  Beyond swinging, learning and laughing alongside the athletes, the opportunity was a powerful reminder that with the right guidance, inspiration, and community support, dreams, even the big-league kind, can come true.

Major League Baseball star Dwight Gooden helped youth with pitching techniques and the art of control and focus on the mound. For the young athletes in attendance, learning from one of baseball’s greats wasn’t just instructional and fun, it was an unforgettable experience.

Former New York Mets player Howard Johnson (82’-95’) shared tips on proper batting form with the children. He talked about harnessing the full power of the baseball swing, keeping an eye on the ball, and staying focused.

Receiving athletic tips from a baseball legend was a memorable moment for any young baseball player who has a love for the sport and wants to improve.

Beyond the basics, Johnson was passing on something greater: confidence, discipline, and a reminder that baseball isn’t just a game. It’s a foundation for life. With every swing, these kids weren’t just learning to hit, they were learning to believe in themselves.

Imagine the feeling on home plate as you’re swinging the bat, nerves rushing through, the adrenaline and excitement of hitting the baseball that a former Major League Baseball player is pitching to you, while across from you, a former Major League Baseball player winds up to pitch. It’s more than just a hit. It’s a dream sparked, a moment of inspiration, and a memory that fuels a young athlete’s passion and belief in what’s possible. It is a special feeling and a milestone moment for any teenagers athletic dream and future.