

SPRINGFIELD -- Calling all whiffle ballers!

The Springfield Police Department's C3 Community Policing units, along with the Springfield Police Youth Athletic Association, is starting a summer whiffle ball league for boys and girls ages 8 to 16.

"We are hoping to make a better connection with the community and we know that in the summer there are a lot of kids looking for things to do," said Police Capt. Cheryl Clapprood who is organizing the league.

Teams, broken down in 8-12 and 13-16 age groups, will compete in the four C3 Policing sections. They are: the North End, the South End, Mason Square and Forest Park areas.

"All I need is 10-12 kids in each sector," Clapprood said. "Maybe we will get even more as word gets out."

Clapprood, who heads up the Community Action Bureau, said she set up a similar program about ten years ago with the Springfield Boys & Girls Club on Carew St.

Those who wish to sign up, or who are aware of somebody who might want to play, should contact the following officers: Tom Hervieux for the North End, (413) 478-8478; John Torres for the South End, (413) 478-9433; Vic Alider for Mason Square, (413) 478-8339; and Felix Romero for Forest Park, (413) 478-8759.