Jordan Mayblum: 9:10 a.m.
Friday, August 10, 2018 9:09 am

Firefighter Duane Marsh and his buddy, Isabella Cottrell, checked out Truck 1 during a visit to Rochester Fire Headquarters this week. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - Two Rochester firefighters will once again play in the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock (CHaD) Battle of the Badges baseball game.

Entering its eighth year, the CHaD Battle of the Badges Baseball Classic pits local police officers and firefighters against one another to benefit the kids and programs at CHaD. This year's game will be played tonight at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.

To mark the occasion, Firefighters Seth Wentworth and Duane Marsh welcomed their respective buddies from CHaD, 12-year-olds Chris Hobbs and Isabella Cottrell to the fire station on Wednesday afternoon.

Chris Hobbs and Firefighter Seth Wentworth.

Hobbs battled against brain tumors that caused him to lose some of the movement in his body, but Wentworth is quick to point out that in the three years he's known him, Hobbs has never been slowed down by anything.

Firefighters Wentworth and Marsh are each playing in the classic for the third time, as part of their continued support of CHaD and kids - including their buddies - who benefit from its programs.

"The baseball classic is a lot of fun because it gives us a chance to raise a lot of money for a great cause," Wentworth said. "I really enjoy spending time with Chris and seeing how much all of the kids love seeing us play."

Each player is required to raise at least $1,250 on behalf of CHaD, and the team that raises the most money is awarded home field advantage for the following year's game. Police officers and firefighters have collectively raised more than $93,000 so far and are continuing to work toward a goal of $125,000. To donate click here.

"Whether we win or lose, the game is ultimately about the kids we're supporting," Marsh said. "They end up winning no matter what."

Jordan Mayblum writes stories for the City of Rochester.