Kids, grandkids of NYPD and FDNY heroes lost in line-of-duty throw first pitch at Mets game

The Mets game on Wednesday was a special one, as four children and grandchildren of FDNY and NYPD heroes had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. The kids, Hannah Cristiano, Charli Scalf, Jackson Abear, and Stella Abear, were descendants of brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for others. Despite the rain, they took to the mound alongside Answer The Call associate committee members to celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary.

For Jackson Abear, the experience was exhilarating. He couldn’t contain his excitement, claiming he didn’t need any practice as he flawlessly threw the ball to his designated catcher. The moment was particularly emotional for Catherine Abear, who lost her husband, NYPD Detective Raymond Abear, to COVID five years ago. Watching her children enjoy the special moment brought tears to her eyes, as she remembered her late husband’s love for the Mets.

The event was part of the foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration, where over 1,200 families were initially expected to attend before the weather forced a change in plans. Despite the rain, Charli Scalf and her mother, Taina, were present to honor the memory of Detective Jeffrey Scalf, who lost his life to COVID during the early days of the pandemic. Charli, a self-proclaimed Yankees fan, found the experience to be once-in-a-lifetime, especially meeting Mets pitchers Clay Holmes and David Peterson.

Hannah Cristiano paid tribute to her grandfather, Tommy Farino, a dedicated Mets fan who was among the FDNY members lost on 9/11. Another attendee, Kieran Bellew, had thrown the first pitch at a Mets game in 2009 at just 4 years old, following the loss of his father, FDNY Lt. John Bellew, on Black Sunday. The event holds special significance for the Bellew family, as it symbolizes passing the torch of fandom from one generation to the next.

The annual event is organized by Answer The Call, a charity established in 1985 by Mets legend Daniel “Rusty” Staub. The organization has provided over $180 million directly to more than 1,000 families, offering financial support to widows and children of fallen heroes. This year alone, the charity has distributed over $5.5 million to more than 500 families, ensuring that each family receives immediate assistance following a tragedy.

The stories of these families highlight the resilience and strength of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. The Mets game served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these heroes and the importance of supporting their families in their time of need.