Challenger Baseball celebrates 17 years in Tuscarawas County

Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball league has benefited players and families for 17 years.

“That’s the beauty of Challenger Baseball, it’s for children and adults with cognitive, physical and intellectual disabilities. It’s not about ability level. It’s about belonging,” Jennifer Flaherty, Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball coordinator, said. “Challenger Baseball isn’t just for the players; it’s for the families. It’s where parents find other parents who understand. It’s where friendships are formed in the bleachers. It’s where we cheer for both teams, celebrate every success, and truly become one big baseball family.”

Last season, 88 players from age 5 to 53 competed and more are welcome. There are two Little League teams and two Senior League teams. Games are played twice a week for one hour.

“It’s the perfect amount of time for big hits, big cheers and maybe a little bit of organized chaos,” Flaherty said. “Every player hits. Every player runs. Every player plays the field. After two innings, it’s high-fives all around.”

The season runs from the end of May through the beginning of July.

“We celebrate Opening Day like it’s the World Series. We host a Home Run Derby that might not always clear the fence, but it absolutely clears hearts. And we wrap it all up with a Grand Finale that leaves everyone smiling and maybe a little teary,” Flaherty said.

There are other activities throughout the year that provide social opportunities.

Maverick Johnson, 7, son of Reagan and Cooper Stutzman is in his third season of Challenger Baseball. His parents like that he is part of a team and around peers that understand him. Burning off energy is a plus for Maverick and his favorite activity is running the bases.

“He is starting to learn the basics of baseball and hopefully one of these days he'll be able to play with less assistance,” Reagan Stutzman said. “It also has to feel super empowering that he can look out and see a herd of family and friends there cheering him on.”

Challenger Baseball provides a welcome time out.

“Challenger Baseball has given our family something we can all do together. It's also given us special time to be together away from school, work and everyday responsibilities,” Stutzman said.

Challenger Baseball has helped the Stutzman’s realize that there are a lot of families locally that understand the highs and lows of raising a special needs child. It’s a place to be yourself and thrive, and where people are not judged.

Socialization was high on the list for Chris Gross, a young adult, who has participated for three years.

“Chris was motivated to join Challenger Baseball by the opportunity to get out and socialize and stay connected to his friends. He really missed his friends after graduating high school,” his mother, Violet Maki, said. “He loves to hit the ball and see everyone at the games and events.”

Maki has seen many positive changes in Gross including improved self-esteem, ever blossoming social skills, lots of new friends, and fine motor skills and physicality. They spend more time together as a family.

“We've both made new friends,” Maki said.

Ryan Niklaus, a young adult, has been participating for four years. He is the son of Paula and Eric Niklaus.

“He loves baseball and spending time with all his friends.” Paula Niklaus said. “Ryan used to struggle with speaking to others and had slight issues with vocabulary. Challenger Baseball has helped him further his ability to gain confidence in himself leading to an improvement in social skills and becoming more social than he once was.”

Other positive changes include improvements in family dynamics and more meaningful and impactful conversations creating a stronger family bond.

“We appreciate the inclusivity and adaptability that Challenger Baseball provides for Ryan,” Paula Niklaus said.

Kaylee Arthurs, an adult player, participates in the Senior League.

“As a parent of a child with disabilities, you spend a lot of time wondering where your child will truly belong. Kaylee is blind, hearing impaired and we wanted her to experience what every child – deserves the excitement of putting on a jersey, hearing her name called, and being part of something bigger than herself. Challenger Baseball gave her that opportunity. It wasn't about what she couldn't do. It was about what she could,” Kat Arthurs, Kaylee’s mother, said.

Kaylee Arthurs loves everything about the league including the uniform, cheers, high fives, the buddies who help, batting and being seen.

“In those moments she isn't defined by her diagnosis. She's an athlete. She's a teammate. She belongs,” Kat Arthurs said.

Kaylee Arthurs has grown in confidence, pride and formed real relationships. Being part of a team has given her a voice. Her family has seen physical improvement in running the bases, batting and more.

“It's the joy behind the movement that matters,” Arthurs said. “Watching Kaylee cross home plate, smiling, proud and surrounded by cheers is something we carry in our hearts long after the game ends.”

Join the team by registering through March 7, signups are online at tcchallengerbaseball.com or in person March 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Wendy’s in Dover.

Registration is $40 per player or $60 per family. Player Assist scholarships are available so that no athlete misses out because of finances.