CONWAY — “Are you between the ages of 8 and 80? Can’t run? Kids will run for you! No baseball gear? None needed! Don’t want to play? Be our guests,” declares a flier announcing the upcoming fourth annual Chesbro Challenge, July 9, from about noon until about 4 p.m., at the town ball field.
The signup deadline for the event is Monday. Registration is $15, and includes a T-shirt. There are a few locations in town where people can sign up, including Greenfield Savings Bank, Baker’s Country Store, and OESCO orchard supply.
The games will start at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward the town’s 250th anniversary celebration next year.
“It’s hilarious. It’s absolutely hilarious!” said Kate French, who is on the event’s committee board.
“After the game,” she continued, “we’ll have a cherry spitting contest, an old fashioned tug of war with a big old rope, and an egg toss. They’re only playing two innings of play so no one gets tired of it. But you do get tired of laughing. Your cheeks hurt. It’s just so much fun.”
This is the fourth time the challenge, named after homegrown baseball hall of famer Jack Chesbrow, a star pitcher who played for Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Highlanders, and the Boston Red Sox in the early 1900s, will be held.
The challenge, in many respects, is played like a typical game of baseball; except that no baseballs are used. Pitchers underhand-toss beachballs, soccer balls and wiffle balls, at batters who swing everything from broomsticks to tennis rackets to golf clubs.
The game’s announcer, Mike Haley, will decide which wacky combinations are used.
Haley is an actor who has also performed in many movies including “The Stepford Wives,” “Groundhog Day,” and “Primary Colors.” He is also the actor who played the heckling umpire in “A League of Their Own.”
Eight teams are picked by lottery and play two innings. There are designated runners, so anyone who doesn’t want to run can choose not to. No gloves or any other gear is needed.
Players compete for golden glove trophies.
Throughout the day there will also be other activities and a 50/50 raffle. Games will start at 1 p.m. Along with a Berkshire Brewing Co. beer garden, refreshment such as hot dogs, lemonade, iced tea and watermelon will also be available.
From 4 to 5:30 p.m., there will be games with prizes for both children and adults.
Anyone who is out of town can register by calling Kate French at 413-369-4335.
You can reach Andy Castillo at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo