Blue Jays Baseball Academy

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how Brennen is playing Challenger Baseball this summer. Well, it's so good, I'm writing about it again!

Challenger Baseball provides children with disabilities the opportunity to play organized baseball in a non-competitive environment. It is a tremendous opportunity for these children, and for families like mine, who never dreamed their child would play in a baseball league. For the third year in a row, the Blue Jays Baseball Academy has partnered with Challenger Baseball to host six Challenger Baseball clinics across Canada, including one right here in St. John's. 

This week, local participants of Challenger Baseball were treated to an afternoon of fun at St. Pat's Ballpark. Blue Jays Alumni in attendance were Duane Ward, Lloyd Moseby, Jesse Barfield and Brian McRae.

We had such an awesome time.. I will let the photos speak for themselves!

Brennen's teachers came to cheer him on!

Playing baseball is a joy and a favourite summer pastime for kids of all ages, but for kids with disabilities, that joy can be thought to be impossible. Playing catch with the pros, running the bases, fielding balls, making new friends, wearing a uniform and having fun. We realized that joy, thanks to Challenger Baseball and the Blue Jays Baseball Academy!  

My father was (and still is!) a tremendous athlete. He was voted St. John’s Male Athlete of the Year for 1969, and is a member of the St. John’s Softball Hall of Fame. My Dad was a first baseman who starred both in St. John’s and Gander. "Brian Brocklehurst earned a great deal of respect for his hitting ability, his fine fielding skills, his impressive leadership and his exceptional sportsmanship under all circumstances. He was simply an excellent softballer who was very well liked." During the 12 seasons he played St. John’s Senior Men’s Softball, he compiled a .283 career batting average with 136 hits, 14 home runs and 61 runs batted in. Though it was absolutely a thrill to meet some of the Blue Jays greatest players, I think my Dad got the most enjoyment this week from watching his grandson play on the same field where he practiced as a kid. 

Parents (and grandparents) of children with special needs want what all parents want: to give their children chances to learn, to try new things, to discover their interests and test their wings. We want our children to live happy and active lives, full of meaningful experiences. We want to immerse them in life's adventures. Thank you, Challenger Baseball, for helping to expand the world of opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Thank you for supporting our children and creating an environment that both challenges and celebrates them!

Challenger Baseball

It's officially Summer Holidays! School is out. The kids are thrilled to be off, and parents are wondering what they are going to do with them for the next couple of months. Just the idea of Summer Holidays makes me think back to when I was a child. There were family road trips, swimming lessons, picnics in the park, and soccer games (ok, I went to one practice and one game. I hated soccer.). Playing spotlight with the neighborhood kids, beach dates, sleepovers, and summer camps that didn't last long enough (I remember this one time, at band camp...). The options are many, if you have a 'typical' child. There are multitudes of camps and activities to keep the little ones busy. The choices are not so broad when you have a child with special needs. This Summer, however, I am excited to say that Brennen is playing baseball.

Let me say that again. Brennen is playing baseball!! On a team. In a league. With a uniform.

Challenger Baseball is a program that provides an opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the full benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities.
Baseball games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept. Able-bodied “Buddies” are assigned (one on one, where possible) to each participant. These Buddies assist the Challenger players with their involvement in the game. Pushing wheelchairs around the base path, assisting players in how to hold the bat and swing, or providing protection for the Challenger player from a batted ball, are just a few of the ways the Buddies offer a better experience for the participants in Challenger Baseball.

Each participant is treated like every other player in the conventional baseball program. All players are outfitted in uniforms, use the same equipment, and play their games at the local baseball parks. Last but not least, the smiles are plentiful and free! The joy on the face of each participant in Challenger Baseball makes it very clear how much fun they are having. No pressures, no playing time issues, everyone just has fun! It's what baseball is supposed to be all about.

Playing in a Challenger division gives players and their families the opportunity to:

• enjoy the thrill of playing baseball
• be part of a team
• develop physical and social skills
• build self esteem
• get exercise while having fun
• make new friends
• meet other children and families in their communities

Objectives of Challenger Baseball are:

• To provide an opportunity for children and youth with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the benefits of playing baseball
• To educate the community that children with cognitive or physical disabilities can play organized baseball, just like their peers
• To help the youth in the community "give back" to society, by getting involved in the Challenger program as "Buddies"

The philosophy of Challenger Baseball is very simple: 'Play, just for fun!!'
And that's exactly what we did!

Benjamin, Brennen and Jenna have been together from Day 1. (They are the 'Friday Friends' I talked about HERE). Our families have seen each other through surgeries, admissions, pneumonias and infections. We've been there for the good days and the not-so-good days. We've celebrated milestones and birthdays and graduations, and more times than I would like to admit, we have consoled each other in the hospital. While taking this photo, we said to each other, "Who would have thought we would be here playing baseball?!"

We are thankful for friends like these. We are thankful for Challenger Baseball for providing opportunities for our children to participate in a team activity. We celebrate the good days, and we are thankful that there are many.

Want to get together on Saturday morning? Oh, sorry I can't. Brennen has baseball!!