Medomak Valley Challenger Division player Austin Richardson is accompanied by buddies Mark Vannah and Marty Benner. (Paula Roberts photo)
Both Lincoln County and Medomak Valley Little Leagues started a Challenger Division this spring. The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school, to enjoy the game of baseball.
“It is the greatest thing Little League has done in years. I’m glad they got it going. The kids are having a great time,” District Commissioner Dana Verge said.
Today, more than 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide. Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players. Both Medomak Valley and Lincoln County Little League teams have room on their rosters for more players. Both teams bat off a tee.
In a Challenger game, each player gets a chance to bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a pre-determined number of runs have been scored, or when three outs are recorded. Little League recommends that no score be kept during Challenger games. The Challenger players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches and safety equipment as other Little League players.
One of the benefits of having a Challenger Division is that it encourages the use of “buddies” for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field, but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.
Medomak Valley buddy, and high school softball player Lydia Simmons said, “I am having the greatest time. It is really a cool experience. It almost feels more rewarding (than playing softball) and better than beating Oceanside or winning a championship.”
Parents and teenagers are strongly encouraged to become involved in this uniquely-rewarding division of Little League.
Medomak player Tallulah Bass, stepped to the plate with her special hot pink bat, and belted the ball off the tee and then ran to first with buddy Lydia Simmons.
Her mother Lyn Bass said Tallulah “very much” enjoys playing. “She looks forward to it. Lyn Bass said she would “absolutely recommend” the program to other children with special needs. “The community piece is lovely.”
“People who put this together and run it are unbelievable. It is a wonderful program,” Grandmother Mary Jane Smith added.
