LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Lincoln Groft, 11, led off the Cardinal's pre-scrimmage huddle, you're reminded it's about more than competition and the love of the game.
"[It] makes me feel a little bit sad but also makes me feel happy," Groft said. "To honor my dad -- he risked his life to save other people's lives."
His dad, Tim Groft, was a 15-year veteran of Louisville's fire department before passing away five years ago after an extended battle with cancer.
Those in the crowd at Jim Patterson Stadium honored not only Groft, but Louisville Metro Police Ofc. Nick Rodman too, who died in the line of duty back in 2017.
For his father, George Rodman, the game was nostalgic.
"It brings back great memories," he said. "We still [have] tough days, but when you're a part of something like this, it bring the memories. It's just absolutely amazing."
Louisville baseball has hosted a game to honor first responders like Groft and Rodman for six years now -- efforts led by Card's head coach Dan McDonnell.
"I think it lets all policemen and firemen know how much we appreciate what they do," he said. "You know, for our community, we don't want to take that for granted."
Playing the quintessential family sport, honoring those loved ones still with us, and those we'll always keep with us.
"[There's] no better way than to start honoring the firemen and the policemen and thanking them for what they do," McDonnell said. "We want their families to know -- that's why you see so many kids running around -- and we want them to have a good time tonight. Just let them know how much we appreciate them."
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.