West Berlin Fire Company Holds Charity Softball Event

Just two weeks ago, the West Berlin Fire Company held a charity softball game for the families of the Gloucester City fire disaster. Fire Chief Joe Jackson, Jr. organized the game featuring the West Berlin Fire Company against a contingent from the Flyers and Phantom hockey teams.

What a game...home runs were the order of the day. Can you imagine a seven-inning game with a score of 33 to 32 in favor of West Berlin? Better yet, how about the home run that went over the outfield fence and over the property owner's fence some 400 feet away?

The Flyer/Phantom players were great. After the game they all hung around to sign autographs and have their pictures taken with the fans. During the game both teams earned mutual respect of each other with great displays of sportsmanship.

And what about the West Berlin merchants that donated all the food, drink and prizes? The town really came together this evening. A crowd of over 1000 helped raise over $ 4000 profit for the charity.

The Phantoms brought their blow up hockey game. Anyone who scored a goal was given a Phantom shirt. It seemed as if there were a lot of these shirts in line for autographs after the game.

During the pre game ceremonies we heard "O'Canada" played on the bagpipes. Never have I heard a rendition like this. The families of the fallen firemen shared in the ceremonial throwing of the first pitch.

Chief Jackson had brought a most worthwhile event to our town. Congratulation Chief and thank you. Maybe next year those hockey players will return for revenge.