Big challenge

By MARK MAYNARD - The Independent

ASHLAND May 19, 2008 08:23 am

— There are no scoreboards or umpires necessary in this Little League.
The results of this baseball game come in the form of smiles, both from the participants and their parents.
Welcome to the Challenger League.
For the past nine years, Challenger League organizer Mike Gregory has given his time, talents and even money to provide a baseball sanctuary for the disabled or handicapped in the area.
It also gives the parents of these children a chance to be, well, a Little League parent.
These Little League parents aren’t typical. They don’t chide the opposition; they instead cheer for their “opponents” on the field. Watching their children have a moment to be like other children is a rewarding experience.
“You see them blossom out here,” said Tina Thompson, whose 17-year-old son Shelby is in the league. “At first, they don’t respond. But a little at a time, they do a little more. They’re capable of doing it.
“It’s really encouraging. It’s sort of like getting my battery charged.”
Gregory, 58, has devoted his life to Little League baseball. He’s been in the Ashland National Little League for 29 years and manages the Cardinals, along with running the Challenger League since its inception nine years ago.
“Everybody bats, nobody loses,” Gregory said. “If regular baseball were like this, it would be a lot more fun.”
The Challenger League, for ages 5 to 18, is played a lot like T-ball, where lineups are set and everybody takes their swings. Players run the bases, whether the ball is caught or not. Fielders can try and make a play, but nobody is out — everybody’s safe.
And the path around the bases doesn’t always follow the correct pattern. Last Saturday, a young boy lined a hard grounder to the shortstop area and instead of running to first base, he sprinted toward the pitcher’s mound.
He was then directed toward first base, with a smile that stretched from one dugout to the next.
Players in motorized wheelchairs also may step to the plate and take some cuts. Some may have trouble walking, or speaking. But everybody is welcome, regardless of the disability.
Paula Lambert of Louisa, whose son, Craig, has Angelman Syndrome and can’t communicate verbally, said the opportunity for him to be a part of a baseball team has been a godsend. He’s been part of the Challenger League since its inception here.
“We started coming when he was about 7,” she said. “It allows him to be part of a sport, and we love baseball. This shows the true meaning of sports. Winning or losing doesn’t matter.”
Paula’s other son, Noah, is 11 and plays Little League baseball in Louisa. Paula said her youngest son usually participates in the Challenger League activity although he was with the safety patrol trip in Washington, D.C., last weekend.
“Usually, Noah is right with us,” she said. “I think it’s made him a better kid.”
There are many young helpers on the field with the Challenger League players, along with the parents.
“This is just a joy,” Paula said. “A lot of times, Mike’s Little League team comes over and helps.”
Players come from Ohio to participate in the Challenger League.
“Last week was my first week and it was very humbling,” said Wes Sites of Pedro, Ohio, who works with the Necco Center. “It made me thankful. I had a tough time watching. It brought a lot of tears to my eyes.”
The Challenger League allows the disabled players to be part of an organized sports without the stares and whispers, Thompson said.
“This is where I’m accepted and I’m not accepted everywhere else,” she said. “Everybody’s happy for a couple of hours. You don’t have to worry about the looks and the comments.”
On the field, parents and coaches are constantly in help-mode. From helping a player swing a bat to trying to throw a pitch in the sweet spot, the volunteers feel like they’re part of something special, too.
A.J. Stadelmeyer’s stepson, A.J. Rigsby, has played in the league for the past four years, Stadelmeyer said.
“This is a great, great thing for these kids,” he said. “It lets them hit, run and throw, be part of a baseball team. It’s good for them physically and their self-esteem.”
Stadelmeyer said the parents from the league he’s encountered have been inspiring.
“Some of these parents are amazing,” he said. “This is all about having fun, smiling, total joy and no pressure.”
Gregory normally pitches himself but shoulder surgery has limited him somewhat. He developed an aneurysm from the surgery and will have a heart cath on May 27, just a few days before the Challenger League will make its annual trek to Indianapolis on June 4 through 6.
“I will make the trip,” Gregory said.
The trip to Indy is a highlight for the players, but a financial burden on Gregory, Thompson said.
“He pays for so much out of his own pocket,” she said. “We took the cookout away from him. He used to buy everything for that, too.”
Gregory doesn’t mind digging deep. When he was working regularly, anything extra he took in went to the Challenger League.
The Challenger League rents a bus for the trip to Indianapolis for the national Challenger League event. The entire trip usually surpasses $5,000, according to Thompson. “It’s probably a lot more than that,” she said.
Gregory said he’s had some private donations and some help from Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. Of course, the league can always use more money for the expensive trip.
“It’s the best game in town,” Gregory said.
Anyone wishing to help the Challenger League make its annual trip to Indianapolis June 4-6 for the national tournament can call Gregory at (606) 325-2863.

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