Announcement
Welcome to the Challengers Program
Challenger Baseball
youth ages 5 and up
8:30 – 9:30 am
NOTE: Games are played at Ladish Park which has gravel and paved access areas. Please keep in mind as wheelchair access is affected. Please see Photos in top navigation bar for pictures of the fields.
Pictures will be held at General Mitchell School, Corner of Ramsey and Illinois Ave. (3 blocks west of Ladish Park)
Challenger Baseball Goal
Challenger Baseball is a program that gives everyone a chance to play baseball, regardless of limitations. The program is for physically and cognitively challenged youth and children with autism spectrum disorder. The program gives everyone the opportunity to play and enjoy youth baseball in an atmosphere that is geared toward their abilities.
Challenger Baseball participants learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also experience pulling together as a team, the atmosphere of being cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. Come on out and check out the games and support the teams and program. It is a lot of fun!
Game Play:
Following basic safety rules, Challenger Baseball has special rules to meet the skill levels of the players. Challenger Baseball players play on the same fields, use the same equipment, and wear the same full types of uniforms as the other CSFLBA teams.
Rules:
Open to all ages with physical or mental disabilities.
Each Player will use the buddy system, usually a parent, sibling (over age 13) or a close friend.
Each player will bat, and play at least ½ of every game defensively.
Half innings will end one time thru the lineup.
No score will be kept
Players can either hit from a batting tee or off a pitcher.
The teams are supported by coaches and by the buddy system in which young volunteers (ages 13 and up) assist Challenger players when needed both at bat and in the field. Buddies help by pushing players using wheelchairs around the base paths after a hit or by helping a player retrieve a ball that gets past them. But the biggest thing a buddy does is to encourage and be a friend to the players.
