'Battle in the Burbs' Softball Classic to Benefit Injured Park Forest Officer Tim Jones

CRESTWOOD, IL -- Batter up for the 2016 Battle in the Burbs featuring your favorite mayors, clerks, police and fire chiefs, officers and firefighters in an epic 16-inch softball doubleheader.

The brainchild of Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta, the fourth annual charity softball classic will be played Saturday, Aug. 20, at Standard Bank Stadium, home of the Windy City Thunderbolts, at 14011 Kenton Ave., Crestwood .

Come watch Southland mayors and managers battle police and fire chiefs for bragging rights. Also, for the first time, a second game has been added featuring south suburban police officers taking on area firefighters.

All proceeds will go toward the recovery fund of Park Forest Officer Timothy Jones, who was shot and critically wounded in the line of duty in March.

Elected officials, police officers and firefighters from these towns will take to the field.

• Chicago Ridge
• Countryside
• Crestwood
• Crete
• Flossmoor
• Harvey
• Homewood
• Matteson
• Oak Lawn
• Orland Park
• Park Forest
• Palos Hills
• Robbins
• Sauk Village

Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones was seriously injured in the line of duty in March.

“The Village of Crestwood is proud and honored to host this year’s fourth annual Battle of the Burbs, especially to be able to help out one of our own south suburban law enforcement officers who has sacrificed so much for the safety of his community,” Presta said in a news release. “We look forward to everyone coming out for a day of fun in support of this heroic young man.”

Gates open at 3 p.m. for this family friendly event, which will also feature a DJ, a jump house for kids, food and drinks, and more.

The first game starts at 5 p.m. with the south suburban mayors and managers facing police and fire chiefs. Then, stick around for the nightcap at 7 p.m. when Southland police officers take on area firefighters.

Tickets are being offered for $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, and can be purchased at the Thunderbolts box office at Standard Bank Stadium or through the Windy City Thunderbolts website.