April 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

Challenger Baseball is on deck!

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

Challenger Baseball, an organized baseball league for people with special needs, is a division of Little League International. The purpose is to give every child the chance to play baseball, to feel accepted by their team, and to enjoy the game.

Thirty-three years ago, Bonnie McClellan had a dream to give children with a disability the opportunity to play baseball and socialize with their peers. In 1990, Challenger Baseball began with two teams. Today, the organization has nine regular division teams and four senior division teams.

“This organization gives kids with disabilities a summer sport to look forward to,” said Brittany Carver, Challenger Baseball President. “Most teams will refer to their team as family; I mean after all you do spend all summer at the ball field with them, playing one to two games a week and also attending the yearly state tournament. It’s rewarding seeing our kids out there on the ball field accomplishing things they never thought they could. To see players advance from running around on the field to actually learning the game is touching. I could not imagine my life without the Canton Challenger Baseball League.”

Challenger Baseball is open to boys and girls with an IEP, ISP, or 504 Plan and who will be four years old and older by April 30, 2023. The regular league is for those ages four through 18 , or 22 if still enrolled in high school. The senior league is for ages 16 and older.

The teams are comprised of players with various levels of abilities. No one is turned away. From those with sight or hearing impairments, to those with Down Syndrome, to those needing a walker or wheelchair, to those with developmental disabilities, autism, or ADHD, there is a place on a team for everyone! Hats and jerseys are provided for each team member. No other equipment is required, though most players choose to have their own glove.

There are approximately 160 kids in the league and there is always room for more! Registration for the 2023 season can be found at www. cantonchallengerbaseball.org. The teams play on regulation Little League fields, with regulation Little League uniforms, using most of the regulation equipment. Adaptations are made based on each individual’s abilities and needs. The season begins in late April and runs through August. Of course, none of this would be possible without the managers, coaches, parent representatives, Vice President, Beth Wurgler, and all the volunteers it takes to make the season run smoothly!

Challenger Baseball is a 501(c)3 organization and accepts donations for field upkeep, tournaments, and more. The organization tries to keep the cost very low to give the families the ability to play ball, relying on fundraising and donations. Everyone is invited to come to opening day to support players, be at the ball field, and show the community of players that they matter.

More information about Canton Challenger Baseball can be found at www.cantonchallengerbaseball.org.