EAST BRUNSWICK — On a recent Tuesday evening, the 12U and 14U Chaos Fastpitch travel softball teams partnered to play a friendly, yet competitive, game against the senior players of the township’s Buddy Ball program.
Re-established in 2009, Chaos Fastpitch draws players from 10 towns across Middlesex County. Teams conduct a majority of their workouts on the level turf playing field built specifically for East Brunswick Buddy Ball.
“We are pleased that Mayor Dave Stahl and the town’s recreation department have provided an opportunity for these two programs to coexist, sharing a common bond and love of sport,” said Anthony Buccigrossi, manager of the 14U Chaos team.
Every member of the Chaos program makes a commitment, not only to train yearround for softball, but also to volunteer within their community, Buccigrossi said. Last winter, the organization collected more than 50 pairs of children’s slippers, which were donated to local area hospitals and dispersed to patients over the holiday season.
When the opportunity to play a game with their Buddy Ball supporters presented itself, the pairing seemed natural and ended in a near tie, with the Buddy Ball squad prevailing.
Longtime Buddy Ball program coordinator Tom Cregge commented, “What an awesome performance by two very well-coached teams.
“I cannot thank Chaos enough, their coaching staff, all the great girls, and their loyal and gracious parents. They made this evening fun,” Cregge said. “The awarding of medals was obviously unexpected, and what a beautiful gesture on the part of the Chaos organization. Thank you so much for enriching the lives of the Buddy Ball players. You are truly winners in every sense of the word.”
Plans are under way for Chaos to play the Buddy Ball pals, volunteers who assist Buddy Ball players during their games. Both Chaos and Buddy Ball are jointly looking forward to the rematch on their “Field of Dreams.”