The family and coworkers of fallen firefighter William Tolley, who tragically died in April while battling a blaze in Ridgewood, were recently treated to a meet-and-greet with the New York Mets players at Citi Field.
They got to be on the field for batting practice, and enjoyed a meal with the team as part of pitcher Steven Matz’s Tru32 initiative. The young left-hander’s charity aims to give back to some of the people who he admires most: first responders of the NYPD, FDNY, and United State military.
On Aug. 9, Matz and the Mets invited Tolley’s wife Marie and 8-year-old daughter Bella, as well as 50 firefighters from the firehouse where Tolley spent his entire 14-year career, Engine Company 286/Ladder Company 135 in Glendale known as the Myrtle Turtles, to Citi Field in Flushing.
During their time at the ballpark, the Tolleys got the chance to be on the field while Mets players took batting practice before the game, met with Matz and other New York Mets, received Tru32 T-shirts, and, along with the Myrtle Turtles, had a pre-game dinner with members of the team.
Before ending their time with the team, Matz presented the firefighters of Engine 286 Ladder 135 with a framed team-signed jersey for the firehouse.
“You guys are the real heroes” –@Smatz88 honored the firehouse & family of @FDNY FF Billy Tolley to thank them for all that they do. #Tru32 pic.twitter.com/quJXM6kQsK
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 9, 2017
Video via Twitter/@Mets
