Interested in helping in your community? Do you want direct interaction with other kids? We have the opportunity for you! Baseball Buddies are middle school and high school kids who help their challenged partners by enabling them to play baseball. This might include acting as guides for blind children, pushing wheelchair-bound children around the bases, or helping the Challengers bat or field the ball. We do not require buddies to have any baseball skills.
A Buddy's job is simple: be a friend to the player. Buddies also help facilitate the game of baseball which may include helping the player hit, throw, and/or catch the ball if needed. Buddies also help keep the child's attention on the game and make sure that the players are safe during the game.
The Baseball Buddies program allows players' parents to receive a much deserved break and cheer the players from the stands.
New buddies MUST attend one of the four bleacher trainings that will be offered at 1:15 on the dates of the first four games of the season.
All Buddies will be asked to participate in at least three games within the season. This commitment is critical to the success of Challenger Baseball. The 2024 games will be held at 2PM on the following dates: March 3, March 24, April 7, April 14, April 21, and April 28.
We ask that Baseball Buddies arrive 30 minutes before the games, which are expected to last approximately 1 hour. The Buddy is expected to stay for the entire game.
Our expectation of Buddies is that they are able to follow the rules presented during training. If there are issues, we will discuss them. If they continue to have issues and not follow the rules, we will ask the Buddy to leave the field and they will not be able to help again during the season. Buddies are critical to our program, and we appreciate their dedication to Challenger! We look forward to your participation as a Challenger Buddy.
Buddies will receive Challenger Buddy T-shirts at the first game they attend. Aside from the buddy t-shirt, please wear closed-toe shoes (sneakers recommended) and casual shorts/pants. No baseball equipment is required.
Yes! Being a Buddy is a rewarding experience and provides service hours to those seeking them.
If you are interested in becoming a buddy, please fill out the buddy form by clicking on this link.