When DeSean Jackson and his cousin Akili Cooper decided to create the Amputee Warrior Softball Classic four years ago, they envisioned pitting military veterans against NFL football players. But the game wasn’t competitive at all. The Wounded Warriors team made easy work of the professional athletes, who looked out of their element on the diamond.
So recently, including Saturday night’s game, which took place at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Md., Jackson decided to mix the teams together. It made the games more competitive, sure, but it also made the nights more meaningful for both sides.
“It allows the guys to build some camaraderie,” Cooper said.