Challenger Baseball

Having a special needs child is not easy. I'm not really talking about the day to day challenges, those things grow into your family and your life and are just normal. I'm talking about watching your child miss out on a "normal" childhood. Not being able to play with friends like his 8 year old brother. Not being able to go on family vacations because the risk of seizures and anxiety is too much for him.

As many of you may know, my 13 year old stepson has epilepsy compounded with pretty significant developmental delays. In spite of the challenges he faces, he's an awesome kid! His speech and physical delays could cause him to be angry,frustrated and depressed, but he is happy, funny and eager to please.

For as long as I have known him and my husband (almost 9 years) Tyler has always sat on the sidelines. His parents always did fun things with him. He loves the play ground, his favorite restaurant ( which, sadly, just closed), swimming and chuck-e-cheese. But as his brothers did karate, baseball, learn to skate, and soccer. Tyler stood by and watched. We felt for him. He wanted to participate but he was either too big for the skill level he could handle or he wasn't physically capable of what was asked of the kids. When Parker started baseball Tyler was so eager to play that my mom bought him his own "uniform" (a blue shirt, hat and sneakers) and we got him a ball and bat to play with while Parker had games.

Then we heard about Challenger Baseball. At the time it was Parker's Second year of T-ball. We signed Tyler up and sent him off into a baseball field BY HIMSELF. He had a whole group of cheerleaders from his mom and dad's side nervously watching him as he (in full team uniform), walked out to participate in a real team sport. Director, Kerry Farrell and assistant Jim Begley, coordinated the volunteer "base buddies" ( a mix of ABA teachers, and students) to different stations to teach the kids in small groups. All levels of ability were met. Each child seemed to love it as much as Tyler did!

Here is Tyler's first year:

That was 3 years ago. The program has grown from about 10 kids to about 30, not just from Bellingham, but surrounding towns as well. This year's team has kids from ages 4-16 and a wide range of abilities. The Base Buddy volunteers have also grown to so many that some children can have a couple aids helping them throughout the hour.

Here's what the field looks like this season:

It is such an amazing feeling to let a child that you worry about, go off independently, and know he's in good hands. He's doing something with out his parents and that is so good for his self esteem. He's surrounded by other kids like him. It's a judgement free zone.

They start with some warm ups and stretching:

Yesterday, the kids began going through the fundamentals of a baseball game. Each child took a turn at bat and running to the bases while the kids in the infield practiced making plays and fielding skills.

Base buddy Nick (who has been with the kids all 3 years), was in charge of helping the kids at bat. Let me tell you, as a mom to 4 boys, I hope one of them turns out as kind and compassionate as this young man. He has a way of treating each child like they were no different than any other child. He is positive and encouraging. He is patient and kind. Looking through the little square of the camera zoomed in on the kids and Nick, I couldn't help but tear up. If every young person was as good as him us parents would have less to worry about. My favorite part of watching him with the kids is when he called out "GOOD HITTER" to the infield. When the kids were at bat.

One of the best parts of Challenger Baseball is the team spirit. As each child rounds 3rd base and heads down the homestretch, the kids line up for a high five. A lot of the kids LOVE this part!

Of course not everyone is feeling like playing the whole time and that is ok too! Lots of kids take a break in the shade or have a rest on the field while taking in the action.

At the end of the game the team is rewarded with slushies from the concession stand. What better way to spend your Saturday morning?

A huge thank you to the Bellingham Youth Baseball Association and Kerry Farrell for putting this program together. It means so much to not just the kids but also the parents!

Tyler looks forward to it every week!

Here are a few more of my favorite shots from this week: