City of Angels charity tournament set for Thursday

It’s no secret the sport of recreation adult softball in this area has fallen on very hard times.

Instead of over 20 men’s slowpitch leagues in Mercer County alone, now there are barely three. Burlington County also used to be hot bed of softball and according to people in the know that county now has no leagues at all.

Fortunately, there are some diehards out there doing their best to keep it alive and on Thursday night on Mercer County’s Park’s fields 1 and 2 an event will be held that is also for a good cause.

The good cause is the City of Angels rehabilitation organization, which is based in Hamilton and helps people conquer their drug problems.

“Some of our players have struggled with heroine addictions,” said player Robert Prihoda, who is among those working to promote the Mercer SlowPitch League. “This is the second year we have done this. Last year we raised like $1,500 to $2,000. This year we are hoping to do even better.”

The way it will work is four teams comprised of all-star players from the league will first get Thursday night’s event started at 6:30 with five-inning pool play games. Later in the evening the top two teams from pool play will square off in a seven-inning championship game.

“It’s an all-night affair with each team guaranteed three games,” said Prihoda. “Of our 18 teams 16 have sent four players. We have a good mix of younger and older players.”

Among the “older” players is Ewing legend Chip “Cadillac” Cregar, a member of The Trenton Softball Hall of Fame who surely must have the most career hits of anyone in the area.

The public is encouraged to attend and help out in anyway it can.