A softball tournament born out of grief for a Hamilton County deputy killed while directing traffic is returning this weekend, and organizers say it has grown into something bigger than they first imagined — a fundraiser now also supporting first responders fighting cancer. The Larry Henderson Memorial Softball Tournament is back for a second year at Mid-America Ballyard in Colerain Township, featuring 24 teams of firefighters, police officers and deputies from across Hamilton County.
Deputy Larry Henderson was killed after a driver intentionally struck him near the University of Cincinnati, according to WLWT. Rodney Hinton Jr. is accused of killing Henderson and is set to go on trial for murder next month, per the same report. The tournament was organized by Ryan Braun, who still works for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and described Henderson as his partner. Braun has said Henderson stayed calm during chaotic situations on the job.
What began as an informal softball game between two sheriff's office units transformed into a full public event after Henderson's death, according to WCPO, which reported the event started as two units planning a softball game together before growing into last year's tournament. That expansion brought in teams from law-enforcement agencies and fire departments throughout the area, and last year's proceeds helped send Henderson's family to Washington, D.C., where his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
A Second Beneficiary Emerges
Organizers say the tournament's success last year revealed something else: more first responders in the community need help. This year's fundraiser is also supporting the family of Sgt. Eric Mai, a 33-year veteran of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office who is battling cancer, per WLWT. Mai reportedly continued working while undergoing chemotherapy and plans to retire soon, and his family will receive support from the event alongside Henderson's.
The tournament is also aiding the family of Cincinnati firefighter Ryan Zwick, who died in June at age 43 from occupational cancer tied to dangerous exposures while fighting fires, WLWT reports. Zwick's death was recognized as an Occupational Cancer Line of Duty Death, according to WLWT. Fox19 reported that Zwick died June 11.
What to Expect at Mid-America Ballyard
Saturday's all-day event will feature live music, food trucks and drinks, according to the seed report. A silent auction will offer a Joe Burrow-signed jersey, and a fireworks show is planned for Saturday night to cap off the day.
Hamilton County Chief Deputy Chris Ketteman called last year's version of the event a healing moment for the sheriff's office, according to WCPO, describing it as part of the healing process for a department still working through the loss of one of its own. Organizers say the strong interest in bringing the tournament back for a second year reflects how much the event has come to mean to the local first-responder community, even as it now carries the weight of more than one family's story.
