Berkley City Hall Edges out Dad’s Club in Softball Thriller

Although both sides started off confident Wednesday night as they took the field at , the blue-shirted City Hall softball team was motivated by last year’s loss and fought off a comeback by the red-shirted Dad’s Club to take the game 22-20.

For more than 20 years, City Hall players have faced off against the Dad’s Club in a battle for bragging rights and to get another plaque on the coveted trophy, which is displayed in City Hall year-round.  

“It’s the competition that defines ,” explained Berkley Days chairwoman Denise Brainard. “The side that didn’t win the year before really wants to win the following year.”  

There was a new element this year, with throwing out the opening pitch to Mayor Phil O’Dwyer who coached the City Hall team to victory.

“I enjoy this event for the camaraderie and friendship it generates,” the mayor said before the game. “But we came to win.”  

The game is the best of seven innings with official umpires calling the strikes and declaring who’s safe and who’s out.  

“It’s a fun game,” Dad’s Club player Mike Dooly said. “Both sides are really competitive because they both want the trophy and the bragging rights.”

Berkley resident and former Berkley Days chairwoman Helen Van Housen has been going to the softball game since the beginning. “This game’s grown a lot over the years,” she said. “A lot of people come out for the game now and look forward to it every year.”

Brainard said history favors the Dad’s Club as the winners, but City Hall always tries to step up its game to redeem itself like it did this year.

“It’s a healthy rivalry,” Brainard explained. “But in the end everyone has fun and that’s what it’s all about.”