Westside Challenger Baseball will enter its tenth season for all area youngsters in western Monroe County, Orleans County, and Genesee County who have physical and/or developmental disabilities and would like to experience baseball structured to their needs. Due to COVID, there will be some modifications this season, but nothing that will take away from the fun of playing. Children ages five through 20 will participate in a fun, family atmosphere, and there will be coaches and “buddies” to assist them when needed. There is no cost to any family to have their child play due to sponsorship from area businesses, service organizations, and private donations. Players will receive a hat and jersey, trophies at the end-of-season family picnic, food and drink after each game, and free tickets for players and family to attend a Rochester Red Wing game.
The fundamental goal of Challenger Baseball is to give everyone a chance to play. To realize that goal, Challenger Baseball has two basic rules: every player bats each inning, and every player plays the field. Strikes and outs are not counted. Everybody scores, and everybody wins. Challenger Baseball participants learn the fundamentals of baseball and experience pulling together as a team, being cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. All games are played at Nietopski Field in Sweden Town Park on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. starting June 5.
Challenger Baseball players have always been invited to play in the Challenger Baseball World Series in June at Frontier Field, the home field for the Rochester Red Wings, but due to COVID restrictions, it may not happen this season.
The registration deadline is April 16. Registration forms can be obtained by contacting Mike Myers at 469-0485 or msmyers211@frontiernet.net.
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