At our Challenger baseball games each player bats every inning, and everyone plays the entire game. Each player is assigned a buddy who works to ensure safety and success. A special soft baseball is used for all games. Each player receives a shirt and hat at the first game and is assigned to a team with a coach to guide and mentor there safety and fun at the games. After each game, players and there families, buddies and game supporters meet at the pavilion for refreshments and to enjoy the company of new friends.

baseball volunteers

Coaches, Team Parents and supporters
An important part of the Challenger Sports program are the volunteers, coaches and team parents that help organize the teams and conduct the games on the field. The volunteers and coaches keep the flow of the game going. Two coaches are assigned to each team to help with communication, scheduling, pictures and volunteer management within their respective team families.

baseball buddies

Baseball Buddies are volunteers that help their challenged partners by acting as guides for individuals with visual impairments, by pushing wheelchair-bound individuals around the bases, or by helping players bat or field the ball.

A Buddy's job is simply to be a friend, engage the individuals in conversation, if possible; help the player hit if needed, throw, catch the ball if needed, keep the individuals attention on the game and make sure that the players are safe and no one gets hit with a ball or bat. This becomes a rewarding experience for both the player and the Buddy. The Baseball Buddies program allows the parents to receive a much deserved break and cheer the players from the stands. We ask that Baseball Buddies arrive 15 minutes before the games, which are expected to last approximately 1-1 1/2 hours long.

equipment

The Challenger program supplies a variety of bats for the players. There are also some gloves available for use during games, although many families prefer to purchase a glove so they can assure a good fit. No special shoes are necessary. A shirt and hat are given to each player.

where we play

Challenger baseball plays games at Hartland Town Park, ANJO fields behind the county facility on Davison road in Lockport and fields located near the Clarence Church of Christ.

please arrive early

Introductions begin at the scheduled game time and play follows immediately. We encourage you to arrive at the ballpark at least 10 minutes before the game to allow the player some transition and "warm-up" time. As soon as your family arrives, your child should enter the field area and check in with one of his/her coaches. If the players buddy is not present, a coach will assign another buddy to assist him or her during warm-ups. The players will practice throwing or running the bases until the games begin.

hitting the ball

One of the goals of the Challenger program is to be as flexible as possible in order to make the experience a positive one for each player. Some of our athletes in the division hit the ball from a tee when batting; the rest of the players hit pitches thrown by a player. However, we try to accommodate to each players skill level and encourage players to bat in the way they feel most comfortable. All players bat every inning, so in the interest of time, we must limit the number of pitches thrown to a batter. If a player is not being successful, the umpire will encourage him or her to hit from the tee. Players whose arm or hand strength prevents them from holding a bat will have help from there assigned Buddy.

it's OK not to play

As mentioned previously, we try to be very flexible and there is never pressure for the players to participate. We realize there are times when children are tired or upset and we want you to feel comfortable making the decision about an individual’s level of participation. Please let your coaches and your assigned buddy know how they can be helpful in these situations—when to be encouraging and when to back off.

game cancellations

Cancellation announcements will be made in the following ways:

1) An email will be sent to all families who included an email address on the registration form.
2) Games cancelled in advance will be posted to this website on the home page
3) You may call the Challenger Coordinator at 716-735-9095, 716-696-2463 or 716-572-3147

cost

Challenger baseball is free to all players, but donations are appreciated by any individual or company. To donate, please contact the Challenger Coordinator at 716-735-9095, 716-696-2463 or 716-572-3147.