Challenger baseball is a division of the Wichita Falls Little League Baseball, which affords children with physical and mental disabilities a non-threatening environment to experience baseball.  Our only requirement is that we insist that the children and their families enjoy the experience.  We offer siblings an opportunity to help bring out the best in their brothers and sisters and offer parents a few moments of needed respite.

Started in the Spring of 2004, Challenger Baseball is designed with children and families in mind and addresses one of society's most important issues.  Little League is more than just a baseball program.  It exists for the betterment of the communities in which we live, work and play.

Wichita Falls Little League wants to place a special emphasis on educating both children and adults about the many issues we face as members of a progressive society.  This special initiative underscores the fact that Little League is more than just a game; it's a program that enriches the lives of both players and volunteers alike.

On a National scale, Little League's fastest growing division, the Challenger Division, provides boys and girls with disabilities the opportunity to experience the emotional development and the fun of playing Little League Baseball. This groundbreaking program enables every child the opportunity to participate in a structured athletic program regardless of ability.  We believe the Challenger program can fill a void in a special child’s life by offering him or her the opportunity to actively participate in baseball.

Participants may have varying needs and disabilities: autism, mental retardation, blindness, players in wheelchairs, wearing leg braces, using walkers to name a few.  The level of play adapts to the players’ needs while most organized sports conform the player into their programs.  The Challenger program gives children the opportunity to participate in an organized sport like other kids.

Our community’s physically and mentally disabled youth can enjoy the benefits of baseball in an athletic environment structured to their individual abilities.  The value of the Challenger program is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participation in sports and the strengthening of the participant's self esteem through the experience of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

Challenger Baseball also helps to establish strong bonds of friendship and understanding between Little Leaguers from other programs and Challenger children in an atmosphere of sharing and caring.  In games, "buddies" help their challenged partners by acting as guides and mentors.  This interaction has proven to be a positive experience for all the children involved as players enjoy the thrill of participation and their "buddies" experience first hand the challenges these children face in their daily lives.

The Challenger division is Wichita Falls Little League's way of providing, free of charge, new opportunities for children with disabilities so that everyone can get into the game.  All kids deserve to have fun.

A Challenger Story

“Two years ago, my mother told me about Challenger Little League.  Challenger was a baseball league where you help mentally and physically challenged children play. The first day I was nervous.  I got up to the plate with my buddy and she was completely lost.  I had to show her how to hold the bat and tell when to swing.  When she reached the plate, she said she was ready, she swung and missed.  She looked at me and was upset, but I told her to try again and she did.  And she tried again, and finally hit the ball and was so happy that she hugged me and forgot to run!  She started to run and it turned out to be a homerun.  She had a smile on her face for the rest of the day.”

”That first day I was nervous.  I didn't know what I was getting into.  I just knew that these children needed someone’s help; my help.  But as the season went on, I got to know the children better.  I was helping them play baseball.  It was the greatest feeling ever to see them having so much fun.  I realized that they had what it took.  They just need a little help.  There were kids who were wild and out of control, but you just had to run around and chase them and give them the attention they needed.  I soon realized that they enjoyed having a friend to talk to.”

”Each week I was partners with a different player.  I got to know a new friend each week and learned that they were just like any other person.”

”I started looking forward to going and enjoyed helping them.  It was really special to me to see them having the opportunities that all other children have.  Each buddy that I had I will never forget.  It brings a smile to my face and many happy memories when I think of those times.”

General Rules of the Challenger Division

• All Children, regardless of age, with physical or mental disabilities are encouraged to participate, regardless of their individual limitations.


• Level of play is based upon player’s size, age and skill level.


• Players can participate in one of two levels: Tee Ball or Coach-Pitch.


• Each player uses the “Buddy” system. “Buddies” assist the players during games.


• It is the goal to allow all players equal batting and fielding time.


• No score is kept during games.


• Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches, and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers.


• An awards ceremony at the end of the season, along with a family luncheon, recognizes the effort every player and buddy has made.  Each Challenger participant will receive a trophy at the end of the season, rewarding them for the hard work and dedication that they put into the program.

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Wichita Falls Little League believes that every kid deserves to play.

It doesn't take a lot to give back to our community, just an idea, a little work, and great support.

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We want you to be a part of our program. WFLL is always looking for sponsors, coaches, players and volunteers to make each season better than the year before. Can you help?

Be sure to check out the LINKS section (National Little League) for pictures and special information on the CHALLENGER divisiion for 2006. This was a great success for Wichita Falls and is a great program for disabled children!

For more information contact:
Mike Cox (mwc@cpbwf.com, 781-1544) or Devin Smith (devins@wf.net)