Districts 55 & 68 Little League Baseball
“Challenger” Division

In 1988 Little League Baseball established the Challenger Division of Little League, a program for youngsters with mental and/or physical disabilities. The typical disabilities include developmental delays, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, spinabifida, etc.

Established in 1991, the Challenger Division of District 55 in south Orange County has grown steadily. In 2004, over 200 youngsters throughout south Orange County participated on Challenger teams from Irvine , Lake Forest , Mission Viejo , Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano . As of 2005, the teams from Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano are now part of the newly established District 68. In addition, there is a new District 68 team, Rancho Santa Margarita. The teams from District 55 and District 68 will participate together in the Challenger Program.

The Junior Division Challenger teams, for youngsters age 5-12, play a 10 game schedule, 5 home, 5 away, scheduled between Major Division Little League games. The games average two innings, with each player batting each inning. Some hit off the tee, some hit a ball pitched by the coach. No score is kept. The emphasis is on fun, and on the opportunity to learn skills. Parents and fans cheer for both teams throughout the game.

Rancho Niguel has two Junior Division teams, the Angels and the Dodgers. Their home games are played on the Ryan Harris Memorial sports field, 11 AM on Saturdays.

An important part of the Junior Division Challenger program is the "Buddy" system, whereby Little League players (usually ages 11 and 12), in uniform, are paired one-on-one with the Challenger players throughout the game, cheering them on, encouraging them, helping out where needed, and, in general, helping the players have a good time. The “Buddy” system also involves Junior High and High School volunteers who play an essen tial role as “buddies” during weekly practice sessions.

The Challenger Division also includes Senior Division Challenger teams, for developmentally disabled players in Junior High, High School, or Community College. Their schedule is similar to the Junior Division, with a few minor rule changes to emphasize advanced skills and game awareness. Rancho Niguel has two Senior Division Challenger teams, the Angels and the Dodgers. They play at the La Paz Park Pony field  at 9AM on Saturdays.

For more information, contact Dr. Darrell Burnett, Challenger Program Administrator, California District 55 Little League, and District 68 Little League, (949) 495-3444. Email Dr Burnett .

Click HERE for 2008 Challenger game schedules!

Click HERE to learn more about Darrell Burnett.

Note:  "Challenger Division" is a registered trademark of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.