Southland Mayors, Police and Fire Chiefs to Face Off in Softball Game for Charity

For the third year in a row, Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta will host the Battle in the Burbs, pitting his team of South Suburban mayors the Big Hitters, against Gunsmoke, a team comprising the police and fire chiefs of the Southland in a classic game of 16-inch softball.

The big matchup will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16 at Standard Bank Stadium (14011 Kenton Ave.) in Crestwood. Attendees are cordially invited to stay free to see the Thunderbolts take on the Lake Erie Crushers immediately following at 5:05 p.m. Postgame autographs will be available, and attendees can play catch on the field after the game. Doors open at 1:30 and tickets are $10 at the gate. Some free tickets remain and can be picked up Friday at the Village Hall or Crestwood Police Department. For more information please call 708-293-1430.

The Stanley Cup took center stage at the stadium Thursday to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois and promote Sunday’s matchup. More than 2,000 trickled through and paid a donation for a photo with the Blackhawks prize-winning cup stationed in left field.