WEDNESDAY'S BRAKETTES-NY/NJ COMETS EXHIBITION CANCELLED

July 15, 2013 - The scheduled nine-inning softball game between the unbeaten Stratford Brakettes and the New York/New Jersey Comets of National Pro Fastpitch league set for Wednesday night at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field has been cancelled.

The Comets e-mailed Brakettes General Manager Bob Baird of their decision not to play the game. "They didn't want to send the team to Stratford and waste a day that they could be promoting their upcoming series with the USSSA Pride (July 19-21)," said Baird of his conversation with Comets management late Monday morning.

The game was originally scheduled with a rain date set for July 23. In May, the Comets informed the Brakettes they could not have a rain date because they were flying to Chicago that day in advance of another NPF game. Without a rain date, the Brakettes decided not to conduct a pre-sale. However, they had been taking reservations for tickets and were expecting a large turnout.

Comets management expressed concern over covering their travel expenses because they feared a small turnout without a presale. "We guaranteed that we would cover their costs, but they had already made their decision over the weekend," added Baird.

The Brakettes formerly played in the NPF in 2006 and have been playing exhibition games with NPF teams since 2002. The 41-0 Brakettes return to action Thursday night at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field against the Breakers U18 in a 7 p.m. doubleheader. The Comets have a 4-21 record and currently occupy last place in the pro league.