The Challenger Division of Vestal Little League was established in 1990 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.
This program remained active in the Town of Vestal until 2023. In 2023, the program was transitioned away from the Challenger Little League to a Town of Vestal Recreation Department program.
Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include as many as 15-20 players, who can participate in one of three levels: Tee-Ball, Coach-Pitch or Player Pitch.
Each player gets a chance at bat. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when a pre-determined number of runs has been scored, or when three outs are recorded. No score is kept during games. The Challenger players wear uniforms and safety equipment as other players would.
One of the benefits of our program is that we encourage the use of "buddies" for the Challenger players. The buddies assist the Challenger players on the field but whenever possible, encourage the players to bat and make plays themselves. However, the buddy is always nearby to help when needed.
