Softball benefit game to be held in Franklin Twp.

They will no doubt be swinging for the fences as they do battle between the white lines.

Only this time, the numbers on the scoreboard will take a back seat during the fourth annual Franklin Township Girls’ Old Timers Softball Game.

Hosted by the Franklin Township Softball Association, the softball benefit game will be held Saturday at Christman Field. The rain date is Sunday.

The proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Lehighton Fire Department for safety equipment, according to Don Rehrig, event co-organizer.

“The fire department really stepped up to help us promote this year,” Rehrig said. “We’re looking forward to a good outcome.”

Lehighton Fire Department Chief Pat Mriss said the department appreciates the Franklin Township Softball Association donating the proceeds.

Firefighter Joe Flickinger agreed and said an event such as this is a “win-win for both sides.”

Rehrig said that opening ceremonies will start at noon, while the game will get underway at 1 p.m.

He said the game is open to any girl 18 or older or coach who has previously played for the Franklin Township Softball Association.

The fire department will have an engine on display, and there will also be fire prevention brochures, a Chinese auction, food, and a 50/50 drawing, Rehrig said.

In addition, he said Bethlehem Police Department Detective Doug Nothstein will be on hand with his arson dog, Silver, who will put on a demonstration.

Ted Garrison, event co-organizer, said he’s proud to be affiliated with the event.

“I have the pleasure of being one of the co-organizers of this great event,” Garrison said. “I get to work with some great people making money for a great purpose.”

Garrison said the game continues to grow in popularity.

“It’s a very entertaining softball game,” Garrison said. “Every year, it just seems to be getting better and better.”

Rehrig said the game has raised $5,700 in its first three years.

“Sometimes it’s just a reunion for them to come out and meet each other, as they haven’t seen each other for years,” he said. “But yet they come out and play the game to help organize it and raise money for different events that we’ve done throughout the year.”

Rehrig said that the game previously raised funds for the Butch Rodgers Scholarship fund, as well as the American Legion Post 314 of Lehighton.

“It’s a fun event; we look forward to everybody coming out and supporting this event,” he said. “The more people come out, the more money we can raise for the fire department.”

Anyone who wishes to participate in the game may contact Rehrig at 610-377-5607, or 610-762-9518.