Challenger Division

Districts 55 & 68 Little League Baseball
“Challenger” Division

In 1989 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, spinal bifida, etc.
  
Established in 1991, the Challenger Division of District 55 in south Orange County has grown steadily. In 2009, over 225 youngsters throughout south Orange County participated on Challenger teams from District 55 (Northwood, Lake Forest, & Rancho Niguel) and District 68 (Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo, & Rancho Santa Margarita).  Participation included the “Challenger Classic” at Angels Stadium, where 30 Challenger teams from Orange County played on the field at Angel Stadium!
  
The “Junior” Division Challenger teams, for youngsters age 5-12, play a 12 game schedule, 6 home, 6 away, usually 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. The season ends with a “Closing Day Games” celebration at Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel, bringing together all the teams from all the leagues.
  
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 Middle School and High School volunteers who play an essential role as “buddies” during weekly practice sessions.

Rancho Niguel Little League has two Challenger teams in the “Junior” Division, the Angels and the Padres.  They play their home games at 10:45 AM on Saturday at the La Paz Sports Park, Ryan Harris Memorial Field.

The Challenger Division also includes “Senior” Division Challenger teams, for developmentally disabled players in Junior High, High School, and beyond. Their schedule is similar to the “Junior” Division, with a few minor rule changes to emphasize advanced skills and game awareness.

Rancho Niguel Little League has two “Senior” Division Challenger teams, the Angels and the Dodgers. They play their home games at 9AM Saturday, La Paz Sports Park, Pony field.

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

Click HERE to learn more about Darrell Burnett.

 

If you're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job.

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