Coach Steve Noyes helps his Red Sox player Hannah Williams at the plate.With abundant smiles on the faces of the Challenger Baseball players and applause from the parents, families and friends, the second season of Sweden/Clarkson Challenger Baseball ended on Saturday, July 28. A record 41 players participated this season at Nietopski Field at the Town of Sweden Park. Children with disabilities, ages 5 through 18, met every Saturday morning during June and July for a game of baseball, fun and camaraderie. After each game, all players are treated to snacks with their assisting “buddies.” After the game on July 28, each Challenger Baseball player was recognized and presented a Champions Trophy at the Awards Ceremony and a picnic for players and their families followed.
Jack Zyra and Tucker Hauser acknowledge fellow Challenger Baseball players.There is no charge for any family to have their child play Challenger Baseball because of the donations by Reliant Community Credit Union, the Rochester Press-Radio Club, the Stetson Club of the Brockport Police Department, Mark Gaisser and Domino’s Pizza, the Sweden Community Foundation, and Bill and Ann Sweeting.
Thanks also to Lee Polizzi and all the players and coaches of the Brockport Bisons, Charlie Hage, Bob Jones, Westside News Inc., Todd Dobson, Roger Evans, Jeanne Arieno and the Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Department for their assistance during the past season. Organizers are already in planning for next season and increasing the number of Challenger Baseball players even larger.
Nick Pifer receives his Champions Trophy from Jack Milner.
Yankees and Red Sox players celebrate together another successful season of Challenger Baseball.
