First Responders to Battle for Charity at Annual Softball Tournament

The Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County hosts the annual Battle of the Badges event on April 25.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:20am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a softball icon repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the energy and community spirit of the Battle of the Badges charity event.The annual Battle of the Badges softball tournament brings together local first responders for a day of friendly competition, all in support of child victims of crime in Smith County.Tyler Today

The Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County (CACSC) is hosting its annual Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament on Saturday, April 25 at Faulkner Park in Tyler, Texas. The family-friendly event brings together local first responders from the Tyler Fire Department, Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff's Office, and UT Health EMS for a day of friendly competition, with proceeds benefiting the CACSC and its mission to support child victims of crime.

Why it matters

The Battle of the Badges event is an important annual fundraiser for the CACSC, which provides critical services and support to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, trafficking, or other crimes in the Smith County area. By bringing the community together with first responders in a spirited athletic competition, the event helps raise awareness and resources for the CACSC's vital work.

The details

The event will feature a 10:30 a.m. tailgate, a 12:30 p.m. Home Run Derby open to the public, and a 2 p.m. first pitch to start the tournament. The tournament will include two competitive games, with the winning teams advancing to a championship matchup. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy food trucks, children's activities, and raffle prizes.

  • The Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
  • The event will begin with a 10:30 a.m. tailgate, followed by a 12:30 p.m. Home Run Derby and a 2 p.m. first pitch to start the tournament.

The players

Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County (CACSC)

A nonprofit organization that serves children impacted by physical and sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, or other crimes in the Smith County, Texas area.

Tyler Fire Department

The fire department for the city of Tyler, Texas, one of the participating teams in the Battle of the Badges softball tournament.

Tyler Police Department

The police department for the city of Tyler, Texas, one of the participating teams in the Battle of the Badges softball tournament.

Smith County Sheriff's Office

The county sheriff's office for Smith County, Texas, one of the participating teams in the Battle of the Badges softball tournament.

UT Health EMS

The emergency medical services division of UT Health East Texas, one of the participating teams in the Battle of the Badges softball tournament.

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What’s next

Attendees can find more information or purchase raffle tickets for the event at aesbid.com/ELP/BATTLE/Tickets.

The takeaway

The Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament is a fun, family-friendly way for the Tyler community to come together and support the important work of the Children's Advocacy Center of Smith County in helping child victims of crime.