The Greenpoint kickball hero arrested last month for toting a buccaneer’s sword through a Macy’s department store made his triumphant return to McCarren Park on Sunday, leading his team to a rare victory.
After a night behind bars and two weeks off the field, Lance Jackson, 29, logged two hits (err…kicks) and a run scored, helping the Pirates (officially Los Piratas Mecánicos) beat Regression Aggression, 5–3.
“I’m just happy to be back with my team, winning games,” Jackson said after the victory, as self-effacing as ever.
Jackson was separated from his squad when cops nabbed him as he shopped with his girlfriend on May 25, charging the lanky Greenpointer with weapons possession for carrying the sword, which he maintains was merely a prop for that evening’s games. Jackson missed those contests while his case was being processed.
The arrest sent shockwaves through the 33-team Brooklyn Kickball league, where players put rivalries aside to stand behind Jackson and his squad, which has a reputation for rabblerousing.
The Pirates, with their 3–6 record, are one of the weaker teams in the league. Known more for antics than athleticism, the team often interrupts games to throw water balloons and shoot fireworks.
But with Jackson’s return, the only things the Pirates were throwing was strikes, and the only explosions came off their insteps — and co-captain Hector Castillo said Jackson was the catalyst.
“It’s great to have him back,” Castillo said. “He helps with the points and he helps with the morale. He’s a high-ranking Pirate.”
