Challenger Baseball Looking for Players and Volunteers

Challenger Baseball is a program for developmentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities. More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports; the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem; the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.

Who qualifies for the Challenger program? The Challenger Division offers boys and girls with physical and developmental challenges, ages 5 to 18 (or the completion of high school), the opportunity to participate in an organized game of baseball. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play. You do not have to be a Northborough Resident to participate.

• Opening day is scheduled for Saturday, May 5 for Northborough participants. Parade starts in the morning at Peaslee, 31 Maple St, at 9am and ends at Memorial Field, ending with a Homerun Derby and Mini Game.
• Games are 10am on Saturdays in Northborough, Shrewsbury or Millbury. (Schedule coming soon.)
• Practices are Tuesdays at 6pm at Melican Middle School fields, starting on Tuesday, May 1.
• Schedule with time and field locations to come.

• Links to maps are provided below
• Northborough locations: Melican Middle School, 145 Lincoln St; Casey Field, 42 East Main St
• Shrewsbury: Dean Park, 85 Main St, fields closest to street
• Millbury: Elmwood Street School, 40 Elmwood St

• Buddies/volunteers are needed for this program at a 1:1 ratio.
• We ask that buddies commit to coming to each practice.
• We rely heavily on email for communication for this program so please make your sure the household account info is accurate.
• Volunteers will be helping to teach players the sport. Volunteers must possess a lot of patience. No prior experience is necessary.
• Buddies should plan on attending the information Challenger Buddy Meeting on Tuesday, April 24 in the Rec Center, ground floor of Town Hall, 63 Main St.