An awards presentation and year-end picnic took place on Saturday, July 9, as Westside Challenger Baseball wrapped up its 11th season. A record 65 players participated every Saturday morning starting the beginning of June at Nietopski Field at Sweden Town Park. It was a great season for the players, families, friends, coaches, and volunteers. Each game was filled with fun, laughter, and camaraderie. The Saturday, June 11, game was played at Frontier Field. The players and their families were also treated to a Rochester Red Wing game on June 28. After each game, all the players and their families and friends, along with assisting “buddies” are treated to food and drinks. The season ended with each player being recognized and presented a Championship Trophy at the Awards Ceremony.
There is no charge for any family to have their children with disabilities play Westside Challenger Baseball because of donations from program sponsors, including the Rochester Press-Radio Club, Rochester Police Locust Club, Brockport Lions Club, Tom Ferris of Connors and Ferris, Brockport Kiwanis Club, Kendall Lions Club, Brockport Rotary Club, Tom Pontrello of The Legends Group, Ultimate Sports and Apparel, Sweden Community Foundation, Lt. Paul Wheat and the Brockport Police Stetson Club, Mark Gaisser and his Rooster Pub and Pizza, and many individual donors. These sponsors cover all the costs, including uniforms, equipment, field and pavilion rental, insurance, food, drinks, photos, and trophies. Westside Challenger Baseball would not exist without the generous commitment of its sponsors. Thanks also go to the players and coaches of Brockport Bisons Baseball for always being there to serve as “buddies.”
Westside Challenger Baseball has already started planning for next season to provide quality baseball and fun for children with disabilities in the area.
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