Community, Competition, and Camaraderie
From the opening games to the final championship moment, Badges at Bat 2025 showcased what makes the first responder community so strong — teamwork, pride, and a commitment to giving back.
Firefighters Charities of Pasco + IAFF Local 4420
Badges at Bat
Presented at the Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest, Badges at Bat is an annual first responder softball tournament that brings local first responders together for friendly competition, community support, and a great cause. What started as a single showdown has quickly grown into a tradition that keeps expanding each year.
A Growing Tradition
The first Battle of the Badge was held on November 1, 2024, featuring a matchup between two Pasco County Fire Rescue teams. In 2025, the tournament expanded to include four teams from Pasco County Fire Rescue, Pasco County Corrections, and Hernando County Fire Rescue — setting the stage for even bigger events to come.
2
Tournaments Held
2024
Inaugural Year
4
Teams in 2025
1
Great Cause
🏆 2025 Champions
Pasco Fire Hooks
Badges at Bat 2025 champions after a strong tournament run and a championship win over Hernando County Fire.
Heritage Park • November 2, 2025
About the Event
Battle of the Badge at Swamp Fest
The Battle of the Badge is more than just a game. It is a chance for first responders to compete, connect with the community, and raise funds that make a real difference. All proceeds go directly to Firefighters Charities of Pasco, supporting local firefighters, their families, and members of the community in times of need.
Why It Matters
Badges at Bat brings together the same people who show up for our community every day — firefighters, corrections officers, and fellow first responders — and puts them on the field in the spirit of camaraderie, charity, and community pride.
- Friendly competition between first responder teams
- Community engagement during Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest
- Fundraising that supports meaningful local needs
- A tradition that continues to grow each year
Who Makes It Happen
This event is proudly organized by Firefighters Charities of Pasco and IAFF Local 4420, with support from generous sponsors, community partners, and the team behind the Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest.
- Hosted in conjunction with the annual Swamp Fest celebration
- Supported by community businesses and event sponsors
- Powered by volunteers, players, supporters, and families
- Built to honor service, teamwork, and giving back
2024
The inaugural event launched on November 1, 2024, and helped support first responder victims of Hurricane Idalia.
2025
The tournament grew into a four-team double-elimination showdown at Heritage Park on November 2, 2025.
Looking Ahead
Each year brings more teams, more support, and more opportunities to make an impact through community-driven fundraising.
2025 Tournament Recap
Badges at Bat 2025
November 2, 2025 • Heritage Park • Land O’ Lakes
Four Teams. One Great Cause.
Badges at Bat 2025 took place during the annual Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest and featured a double-elimination softball tournament with four competitive teams:
- Two Pasco County Fire Rescue teams
- One Hernando County Fire Rescue team
- One Pasco County Corrections team
Champions of 2025
After a full day of great competition, strong teamwork, and community support, the Pasco Fire Hooks came out on top and claimed the championship win over Hernando County Fire.
The tournament continued to show exactly what this event is all about — first responders coming together outside the call, engaging the public, and raising money for a cause that supports firefighters, their families, and the community when help is needed most.
A huge thank-you goes to Mazda of Clearwater for sponsoring the event and helping make the day such a success. We also appreciate everyone who came out, cheered on the teams, grabbed a shirt, and supported the mission behind Badges at Bat.
We can’t wait to make Badges at Bat 2026 even bigger and better. ⚾🔥
The First Event
Battle of the Badge 2024
November 1, 2024
Where the Tradition Began
The first Battle of the Badge marked the beginning of what has quickly become a growing annual tradition. The inaugural event featured a showdown between two Pasco County Fire Rescue teams and set the foundation for future growth.
Inaugural Tournament Story
While the event was smaller in year one, the mission behind it was just as meaningful. Proceeds from the 2024 event went to help first responder victims of Hurricane Idalia, making the first tournament a strong example of how this event can rally support when it matters most.
The 2024 tournament was sponsored by Mazda of Clearwater, and the teams were coached by Deputy Chief of Operations Shawn Whited and the Assistant County Administrator.
It was the first event of its kind — and the success of that inaugural game helped pave the way for the larger multi-team format that followed in 2025.
What started as one game with one mission has become a growing annual event built around service, teamwork, and support.
Sponsors & Community Partners
Thank You to Those Who Make It Possible
Mazda of Clearwater
Thank you to Mazda of Clearwater for sponsoring Badges at Bat and helping the event continue to grow and succeed.
Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest
A special thank-you to Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest for hosting and supporting this event as part of a larger community tradition.
Firefighters Charities of Pasco
Firefighters Charities of Pasco and IAFF Local 4420 help lead this event and keep the mission focused on supporting firefighters, families, and the local community.
Event Photos
Badges at Bat 2025 Gallery
Photos from the 2025 tournament at Heritage Park during Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest.
Tap any 2025 image to open the full-size 2025 gallery.
Inaugural Event Photos
Battle of the Badge 2024 Gallery
A look back at the first event that started the Badges at Bat tradition.
Tap any 2024 image to open the full-size 2024 gallery.
Looking Ahead
Badges at Bat 2026
We’re already looking ahead to the next chapter of this growing tradition. As the tournament continues to expand, Badges at Bat 2026 aims to bring even more teams, more community support, and an even bigger impact for a great cause.
Get Involved
Interested in Playing or Sponsoring the Next Game?
If you are interested in participating in the next Badges at Bat tournament, becoming a sponsor, or learning more about how to support the event, reach out to our team. We are always looking to grow this tradition and make the next year even stronger.
Badges at Bat is proudly supported by Firefighters Charities of Pasco and IAFF Local 4420 and held in conjunction with the Land O’ Lakes Swamp Fest.
