® Little League Baseball and Softball has a program designed specifically for boys and girls who face “challenges” making  play on conventional teams very difficult.  This includes, but is not limited to, such “everday life challenges” as Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Spinabifida, Cerebral Palsy,  Asperger’s Syndrome, visual or hearing impairments, seizure disorders, mental and/or developmental delays, motor delays, Fragile X Syndrome, Schizophrenia, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, amputations, use of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches – well, as you can see, it is pretty well “limitless.”  The goal of Little League® is to mainstream every child as much as possible, and provides “Challenger Division®” for children where mainstreaming on a ball field would be very much “a challenge.” 

Local Little Leagues in the mid-Willamette Valley have been providing teams for “Challenger” youth since about 1990.  It arrived in Lane County in 2003 along with conventional Little League teams – and we have plans for the program to Grow & Grow! Challenger Division Teams are co-ed, with players being anywhere from 5 through 18 (or graduation from high school).  The “playing age” is that of the child as of April 30th of the participating year.  With transition programs, some youth stay on through age 21 - and possibly beyond!

Averaging 5-15 players per team (though not restricted to a minimum), the teams play 8-12 games per season –  sometimes more as it depends on the weather and field conditions!  Games generally begin mid-to-late April or early May and generally continue through June.  The local “District” has historically scheduled games on Saturday mornings and afternoons, and some areas work in some a weeknight game in each week.  Games are played on fields provided by local leagues.  The kids are “Team Players” – participating with the team for the entire season of play.   For some events, the teams may be “mixed up,” and it is not essential to have an entire team present.

A “soft-T-ball” is used, and players may hit off a “tee” or from a “soft-pitch” from an adult or older youth.  All players bat each time the team is up.  The “pitch” is generally to the need of the child – sometimes directly to the bat, and not to any defined “strike zone.”  Though “outs” may be accomplished, the “runner” remains on base and continues through the game, receiving high-fives and praise as each crosses home plate.  Some children are very skilled and strong; some need assistance in holding the bat!

If you have a child (or know of one) you feel would enjoy participating or would benefit from being part of a Little League® Challenger team, or if you have questions about the program, feel free to contact the individual listed at the bottom of this page.  Many times families don’t believe their child is able to “play ball” until they see a Challenger Division event.  No “fee” is required for participation, though donations and sponsorships are accepted and can be tax deductible.  Players are covered by Little League’s insurance and receive a uniform shirt and hat.  All equipment is provided, tho families may decide to provide their own mitt, bat, or helmet.  (Helmets must have a NOSCAE seal for safety purposes.)  Cleats are not required (in fact, metal cleats are not allowed.)  Tennis shoes are fine, as are jeans or sweatpants!

We’re always looking for “just the right individuals” to manage and coach the kids!  If you have a love for working with “challenged youth,” enjoy seeing them having fun, would like to be part of a teaching experience, and would like to work with the very basics of what Little League was designed around, contact the individual referenced below to visit and obtain a Volunteer Application.

We ask that all completed applications and registration/medical release forms be turned in to us for receipt by March 15th so we can align teams, order uniforms, have some practices, and get things rolling ~

We look forward to hearing from many in the community – returning and new families!

Click here for the current Challenger League Brochure (Adobe Acrobat Format)

Jeni Hendrickson (in Springfield)

Oregon District 9 Little League – Challenger Division Consultant

541 741 7367          for more info or Registration forms - e-mail:  five4osu@msn.com