The “Kids of Summer” with a record number of 54 players, started season number five for Westside Challenger Baseball Saturday, May 30
Challenger Baseball is a division of Little League Baseball that brings together boys and girls ages 5 to 18 who are physically and/or mentally challenged. The games are structured to support the success of all players. Traditional rules are modified and the focus is always on having fun while learning the game of baseball. No score is kept, each player bats every inning, and everyone plays the entire game. Each player is assigned “buddies” who work to ensure safety and success. The Brockport Bisons Baseball teams have volunteered their time to assist as “buddies.”
The enthusiasm and spirit that the Westside Challenger Baseball player brings to the game is very infectious to “buddies” and fans alike. A record crowd attended Opening Day, supporting every hit and run by Challenger Baseball players.
The players come from Brockport, Hamlin, Sweden, Clarkson, Holley, Spencerport, Churchville, Greece, Kendall, Bergen, Medina, and Chili. Games are played at Nietopski Field at Sweden Town Park, through July 18 at 9:30 a.m. with exception of Saturday, June 20 when the Westside Challenger Baseball players will travel to Frontier Field and participate in the 23rd Annual Challenger Baseball World Series. There is no game scheduled for Saturday, July 4. After each game, all players, buddies and family members are treated to refreshments and drinks.
Tucker Hauser says “going, going, gone!”
There is no cost for any player to participate in Westside Challenger Baseball and the program is completely financed by donations from Reliant Community Credit Union, Rochester Press-Radio Club, Brockport Wal-Mart, Brockport Rotary Club, Brockport Lions Club, Brockport Kiwanis Club, Kendall Lions Club, Rochester Police Locust Club, Brockport Five Star Bank, Learning Disabilities Associations, USA Ultimate Sports and Apparel, Sweden Community Foundation, UR Strong West, Dominos Pizza, Brockport Police Stetson Club, Ferris-Goodridge Auxiliary, Baxter Health Care and many individuals.
Spectators are welcome at Nietopski Field at the Sweden Town Park on a Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and watch and cheer-on Westside Challenger Baseball.
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