By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

No mishaps yet in the secret practices of area softball teams getting ready for the Crispin’s House Annual Charity Softball Tournament, which takes place Friday, Aug. 4, at the Villa Augustina Fields. But at least one team is re-thinking its training schedule.

In the past, practices haven’t gone so well for the Reporters, with injuries reported when stray balls were hit furiously into unsuspecting infielders’ bodies.

“We’re forgoing practices for now,” said Neighborhood News sports editor and coach Jerry “Geratol Time” Liptak. “It’ll be safer that way.”

“Two members of our publisher’s family have been hurt,” Liptak said. “We like our jobs, so no one wants to push their luck with a practice. Besides, we’re ready right now anyway, so bring it on.”

Meantime, Goffstown police say their players are “constantly at the ready” and have no fear of line drives or anything else coming their way.

“With or without practice, we would certainly be able to knock down, intercept, and field any unusual occurrence of the opposing team being able to hit anything pitched at them,” said Goffstown Police Chief Michael “Spike” French.

Impressed with the chief’s confidence, softball tournament commissioner and Crispin’s House Executive Director Laurie Hambleton wasn’t so sure of other teams.

“I know at least one player who’s been out in the yard with her kids practicing,” Hambleton said. “Boy, can she make that Little Tykes bat swing. But someone needs to tell her we’re using the grown-up’s equipment that night.”

Other teams, including Goffstown Department of Public Works and Goffstown Fire Department, say they’re ready for next month’s big event too.

“We’ll have an ambulance standing by for all the other teams,” said Lt. Bill “The Prez” Connor of Goffstown Fire. “The oxygen’s on me.”

Teams will meet at the Villa fields for the big faceoff starting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. The public is welcome to come and support their favorite team and Crispin’s House, a nonprofit organization in Goffstown that works to keep kids making positive choices.

For more information on the tournament or Crispin’s House, call 497-3499.