MANZANITA, CA (MPG) - Gridley Little League has hit a Grand Slam in the creation of their Challenger League.

The Challenger League provides an opportunity for atypical children to do more than just watch their friends and siblings play a game of baseball or softball every Saturday, now they are the athletes taking the field and stealing our community’s hearts. It has been a win for the athletes, other Little League players, and the community as a whole.

The program started when the local little league board saw a prospect for an inclusive program. Parents in our community jumped on the opportunity that would involve their Challenger athletes and other local youth.

For a number of the Challenger athletes this is their first experience in playing an organized sport; Their excitement as they take to the diamond is palpable. Every Saturday morning, they start with a practice, where members of both Challenger teams and other Gridley’s Little League baseball and softball players, known as their coaches, meet and practice drills, catching, throwing, batting, and base running. After practice the two teams play one to two innings, and the level of their play is based on their abilities.  Some players are hitting off a tee, while others are getting soft pitches from adult volunteers.

There have been comments heard by coaches from parents whose children have asked them, “How many more nights until my game?”

Another homerun is watching the youth coaches volunteering their time and sharing their love of the game with the Challenger athletes. They show up early, on a crisp Saturday morning, before their own games to provide community service. This is a great opportunity for youth servant leaders to understand how they’re valued and needed by contributing to their community. A wise woman once told this journalist, “You can only really learn to love those you serve”.

Parents of Challenger players have commented on the support and acceptance their children have received from the community. As for our community, we are the ones winning with the new Challenger League.

Take time to show up on a Saturday morning to experience a great game of baseball. It can only put you in a positive mood for the rest of the day. To hear both teams cheering each other on, families and friends applauding through both accomplishments and encouraging through mistakes, brings joy to our Little League field. Come on out and enjoy a great time and see the adult volunteers, youth servant leaders, and the spectacular athletes known as the “Diamond Dozen” shine.