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The USA Patriots Amputee Softball team is set to play two exhibition games in Suffolk County this summer.
It will be the team’s eight visit to Long Island over the last decade. Sponsored by Redefine Meal Prep, the Patriots will play twice on Saturday, July 23, at the Moriches Sports Complex in Center Moriches.
At 11 a.m., they will square off against the Long Island All Stars in a five-inning game, and then follow that contest up with a four-inning game against the Long Island Senior Veteran All Stars.
On Sunday, July 24, the Patriots will play the Bayport/Blue Point All Stars at noon at the Bayport Commons Park in Bayport.
Joe Bartumioli, director of the team (formerly known as The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team), said they have visited Long Island more than any other place “because of the people here.”
“The team is focused on giving back,” Bartumioli said. “Everyone loves them and they love everyone right back.”
The team is comprised of wounded veterans from across the country who connect on weekends to spread their universal message: “push on, to never quit, to know no limits,” Bartumioli said.
The roster is filled players with inspiring stories of survival and perseverance.
Matias Ferreria, the sole Long Islander on the team, lost both his legs serving as a U.S. Marine in 2011. Ferreria is now an officer with the Suffolk County Police Department.
“He is grateful and never stops smiling,” Bartumioli said.
Admission to these games is free. The team’s visit to Long Island tees off on Thursday, July 21, with a 2 p.m. fundraising golf outing at Timber Point in Great River.
For more information click here visit the event’s website or go to the team’s website by clicking here.
The team also posts updates on its Facebook page.
Featured photo: The 2019 USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team (Facebook).
