Hillsboro Challenger Baseball is a baseball league for youngsters and adults with developmental disabilities.

 

The fundamental goal of Challenger Baseball is to give everyone a chance to play. To realize that goal, Challenger has two basic rules: every player bats each inning, and every player plays the field. We don't count strikes, and we don't count outs. Everybody scores, and everybody wins.

Challenger Baseball participants learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also experience pulling together as a team, be cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. All players are named all-stars, and all receive trophies at the end-of-the-season picnic.

 

How it Works

Beyond following basic safety rules, Challenger tailors certain rules to the skill levels of the players. Challenger players play on the same fields, use the same equipment, and wear the same full uniforms as non-disabled teams.

Teams are supported by coaches and by a buddy system in which young volunteers (ages 10 to 20) that don't have a disability assist Challenger players when needed both at bat and in the field. Buddies help by pushing players using wheelchairs around the base paths after a hit or by helping a player retrieve a ball that gets past them. But the biggest thing a buddy does is to be a friend to our players.

Each week, teams play alternate teams within their skill level. All teams play next to each other, on attached fields. Players can either hit from a batting tee or off a pitcher.

 

Challenger Division is a baseball program for children and youth who have physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities within the Jefferson County area (5 to 18 years of age). Our program provides these special kids with an opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation at a level structured to their abilities. 

 

More importantly, our program allows them to be part of a team and develop their social skills and build their self-esteem. Players from our regular program act as “buddies” to assist the Challengers  run  the bases, catch, throw, push wheelchairs etc

 

Although our Challengers benefit from their assistance, the buddies are winners too as the enthusiasm and spirit the Challengers bring to the game is infectious.

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