CAL FIRE/Butte County South will be challenging CAL FIRE/Butte County North to an annual baseball game, Friday, May 17. Photo provided by Dustin Mattos

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire would like to invite everybody out to our North VS South Softball game.

We have been hosting a softball game the Friday night before Red Suspenders Day since the inaugural game in 2003. The past two years we have played our annual North VS South Butte County Fire Department game.

This tradition stems from back in 2005 when a handful of firemen from the northern end of Butte County challenged the firemen of the South County (a rough line would be a split at HWY 149) to a slow-pitch softball game. The South agreed, but, much to their chagrin, they were defeated by the North, 20-17.

The next year, the South must have practiced because they came out with a win 10-9. The South currently holds the trophy bat after a two-year win streak and plans for a three-peat. 

Last year, Butte County Fire was challenged by Sutter County Fire and, after a hard-fought game, Butte County was victorious in the inaugural game. We will continue the new tradition and battle for another year. 

Another side competition prior to the second game will be a winner takes all Home Run Derby for the players.

We look forward to seeing you at Vierra Park on Friday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m., to come and support your fire department at this double-header. This friendly competition is a good way for our local firemen to get together, get a little work out in, build some teamwork and have a great time before fire season kicks off.