Sept. 27--The casts of NBC's "Chicago Fire" and spinoff "Chicago P.D." are set to face off against each other Saturday in the name of charity. The competition?
WhirlyBall.
Joe Minoso, who plays firefighter Joe Cruz on "Fire," will host the inaugural WhirlyCruz Cup at WhirlyBall in the Logan Square area to raise money for the 100 Club of Chicago, which benefits the families of fallen police officers and firefighters. For those who don't know, WhirlyBall is like a cross between basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars. Guests can join in the fun during the tournament portion of the event, where each team will include a celebrity captain.
"I've been in Chicago since 2004 and came across WhirlyBall in 2005," Minoso said by phone Wednesday. "I've been hooked ever since. It's the most fun you'll have on a basketball court with a bumper car and a lacrosse stick. I took the ('Fire') cast out there when we first got together during Season 1, and we've been going ever since.
"They associate it with me, so why not take it a step further? I'm trying to build something to benefit (first responders). There will be a game of 'Fire' vs. 'P.D.' in which one will stand tall with the cup at the end and (lord) it over the other cast."
Season 4 of "Fire" premieres Oct. 13 with new addition Steven R. McQueen ("The Vampire Diaries"). Which cast member is the best at WhirlyBall?
"I don't want to sound conceited, but I would say me," Minoso said. "Who would I say is also competitive and takes it very serious? Maybe (Taylor) Kinney. Maybe Yuri (Sardarov). To be honest, I'm curious what young Steven McQueen brings to the table. I have a sneaking suspicion that he will be good."
Minoso said retired Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood is expected to take part but isn't sure if cast members from new "Fire" spinoff "Chicago Med" will be on hand because of their filming schedule. He has yet to have the opportunity to hang out with the cast of "Med," which includes Oliver Platt ("Fargo" TV series), Yaya DaCosta ("Ugly Betty") and S. Epatha Merkerson ("Law and Order").
"They just arrived and got right into filming," Minoso said. "There hasn't been an opportunity to do much of anything with them. I guess that's part of my job. I've become the impromptu party planner."
WhirlyCruz Cup
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: WhirlyBall, 1825 W. Webster Ave.
Tickets: $125 to participate, $50 to watch; whirlycruzcup.com.eventbrite.com
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