Buddy-ball

The following is quoted from the Babe Ruth League website http://www.baberuthleague.org:

“Babe Ruth League, Inc. believes that every child has the right to participate in the games of baseball and softball. We have always encouraged our member leagues to accept all players regardless of their physical or mental ability. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division was established for organizations who wish to charter a league that encompasses players ages 5-20 who are either physically and/or mentally challenged. This division makes allowance for a “buddy” to help the player swing a bat, round the bases, catch a ball, etc. There are no restrictions to the age of the “buddy”. A Bambino Buddy-Ball team may be comprised of players ages 5-20 and sometimes older. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division is designed so that everyone has the opportunity to have fun.

The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division allows our challenged or special needs athletes to develop confidence and positive self-esteem. It allows them to be part of organized sports and assists with physical fitness as well as their social skills. The joy and emotion you experience when you put that first baseball uniform or cap on a challenged child’s head is like no other. As you can see, the Bambino Buddy-Ball Division is an emotionally rewarding experience for everyone as it also allows the “buddies” to feel good about helping their challenged friends, while at the same time making it a fun and memorable time for all.

Before the Bambino Buddy-Ball Division, our special needs kids were often unable to enjoy the game of baseball. Now, through the assistance of a special buddy, they are able to enjoy the same thrills of batting, hitting and throwing just like the other kids. The Bambino Buddy-Ball Division opens up a whole new world to our challenged kids-not only do they experience the thrill of participating, they also get to experience team play and camaraderie. Advancing the personal development of any child through team participation and kinship is an important step along the road to success and happiness.”

While a specialized field designed to assist those with physical limitations is not required to participate in the Buddy-Ball Division, the reality for many is that a specialized surface designed to accept wheelchairs is absolutely necessary for their safety and accessibility.  Dug-outs and parking areas also need to be larger and handicapped accessible. No accessible fields currently exist in New Hampshire.

A Buddy-ball player bats with his “Buddy” Molly Seckendorf at the ready to help him run the bases. This game was played as part of our weekend long Softball Tournament Fundraiser in Sept. 2010. 

Buddy-ball video: