Spencerport Junior Baseball is introducing the formation of an SJB Challenger Baseball program. This unique baseball program is structured to meet the needs of all youngsters who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Players between the ages of 8 and 25 are invited to participate in a fun, family atmosphere each Saturday morning, and they will even have a buddy to assist them when needed. The Challenger Baseball program has been very successful in other communities over the past few years, and SJB is partnering with the originators of this activity to help kick-start this program in our backyard.
The fundamental goal of Challenger Baseball is to give everyone a chance to play. To realize that goal, Challenger has two basic rules: every player bats each inning, and every player plays the field. Strikes and outs don’t count; everybody scores and everybody wins. Challenger Baseball participants learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also experience pulling together as a team, being cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. All players will receive trophies at an end-of-season family picnic.
Beyond following basic safety rules, Challenger Baseball tailors certain rules to the skill level of the players. Challenger players use the same equipment, sometimes with modifications, and wear jerseys and hats just like most little leaguers do. Teams are supported by coaches and a buddy system. Buddies help by encouraging players and leading the way around the bases after a hit or by helping a player retrieve a ball that gets past them. The biggest thing a buddy does is be a friend to the player. Players can either hit from a batting tee or off an adult pitcher. Buddies will come from the Spencerport community: SJB players, Valle Sports volunteers, and Spencerport JV and varsity athletes, as it is strongly suggested that children and young adults serve as buddies. Adults can make the biggest difference by attending games and cheering on the players.
Where there is solidified interest in this exciting event, a schedule will be published for competitions, along with the locations of contests within the community. Registration for Challenger Baseball is now available. Visit spencerportjuniorbaseball.com and click register online. There is no registration fee to participate.
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