When we think of baseball or softball, we typically think of hitting a home run, catching a fly ball, sliding into or stealing a base, or making a double play, for example. We may think of great stars from the past and star players of the current season. But what about baseball for people who are unable to hit a home run or slide or have difficulty stealing a base? Challenger Little League provides the opportunity for people with disabilities to play baseball with the assistance of volunteers.
Little League began the Challenger division in 1989. In 1990, Little League in Waco asked umpire Don Deatherage to work on starting a local Challenger league. He enlisted the help of Michelle McCollum and Lupe Rosas. Even though none of them had disabled children, they enthusiastically took on the project. They began that year with 34 players on three teams.
Over the years interest in the league grew as did the number of teams. Thanks to donations of time, equipment, and materials, the league was able to build a special baseball diamond for the games at the Lake Air Little League fields on New Road. Adjustments for Challenger League include shorter distances between bases and padding on the paths from base to base to protect the players and to offer easier movement for players who use walkers or wheelchairs. The program uses “buddies”, volunteer who help players hit, catch, and move from base to base.
In 2017 the league, which serves ages 4-18, started a league for those 19-and-older to give them a chance to continue playing. Thus, Challenger League now has no age limit. Participants can play until they decide to stop.
31 years after starting, Waco’s Challenger League has grown to more than 150 players and more than 10 teams assisted by many volunteers who make the league possible.
So, when you think of the stars of baseball, think also of those who, while perhaps not able to hit, run, or walk well, still enthusiastically give it all they can. Think of those volunteers who give their time to help others have a good time, whether through organizing the league or helping the players. They are the stars of Challenger Little League.
Bibliography and further reading
In November 2018 I had the privilege of doing an oral history interview with Don Deatherage, Michelle McCollum, and Lupe Rosas. This interview is being digitized and transcribed by Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History and will eventually be available on its website, https://www.baylor.edu/library/index.php?id=974108 or https://digitalcollections-baylor.quartexcollections.com/special-libraries-collections/oral-history
Anderson, Mike. “Gotta have heart”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 10 Jun 2001, p. 1A
Copeland, Mike. “Growing Challenger”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 16 Apr 2018, p. 1A
Oates, Elizabeth. “Play ball!” Waco Today, June 2015, p. 39
Smith, Cassie L. “Challenger expands fun”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 23 Apr 2017, p. 1A
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