METHUEN — The whistle blew and two lines of energetic young athletes advanced toward the line of multi-colored beach balls in the middle of the floor.
Chaos ensued. Balls were picked up and hurled at members of the opposing teams, with those who were hit being forced to take a seat.
Yesterday's charity dodgeball game was billed as a grudge match between state Sen. Steve Baddour and Fox 25 television personality Doug Goudie, better known as VB.
Baddour and Methuen Mayor William Manzi served as coaches for one team, while Goudie and former Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan coached the second team in the best two out of three battle, the proceeds of which will benefit Children's Hospital in Boston.
Throughout the first two heats, the balls were flying fast and furious, and the teams split the first two matches.
At one point in the second heat, Sullivan, clutching a beach ball like it was his last $20 bill, yelled at Methuen's mayor.
"Hey Manzi, get over there, come on," Sullivan urged, trying to line hizzoner up for a shot.
Manzi stayed put, but still got tagged by a ball and had to sit down.
With the teams even at one win apiece, the rubber match began. About halfway through, it appeared Team Baddour might lose.
But then Baddour called a timeout, waved his arm in the air, and out onto the court trotted the Central Catholic High School girls basketball team.
Ringers, you say? Big time.
Team Baddour won going away, thanks mostly to the basketball team.
All that remained was the presentation of the trophies — and cream pies.
"Typical Beacon Hill snow job. I demand a recount," Goudie said, ever gracious in defeat.
Not to be outdone, Baddour ripped right back.
"They might be fair and balanced, but there is no honor among the thieves at Fox News."
With that, Baddour picked up a cream pie and applied it vigorously to Goudie's face.
Manzi then surprised Sullivan with his own cream pie.
"That caught me completely off guard," Sullivan said, as he stood wiping the pie off his face. "I never saw that guy coming."
Pointing at Manzi, Sullivan said simply, "I'll get him."
Dawn McGovern, organizer of the event, said, "It's all about teaching kids at a young age to give back so it comes naturally to them when they get older."
She also expressed appreciation to Doreen Miner, owner of Interstate Gymnastics and Dance, for donating the use of her building for the event.
Manzi and Sullivan went head-to-head in a similar contest in 2007, which Manzi also won.
ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ
Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.
