Welcome to D7 Challenger Little League

Little League Baseball and Softball has a program designed specifically for boys and girls who face “challenges” making playing on conventional teams very difficult.  This includes, but is not limited to, such “everyday life challenges” as Down’s Syndrome, Autism, Spinabifida, Cerebral Palsy, Asperger’s Syndrome, visual or hearing impairments, seizure disorders, mental and developmental delays, motor delays, Fragile X Syndrome, Schizophrenia, hydrocephalus, amputations, use of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches – well, as you can see, it is pretty well “limitless.” 

The goal of Little League is to mainstream every child as much as possible, and provides “Challenger Division” for children where mainstreaming on a ball field would be very much “a challenge.”   Local Little Leagues in the mid-Willamette Valley have been providing teams for “Challenger” youth since about 1990.  It expanded to Lane County in 2003 and to The Dalles in 2004 – and plans to Grow & Grow! Teams are co-ed, with players being anywhere from 5 through 18 (or graduation from high school).  The “playing age” is that of the child as of July 31^st of the participating year.  With transition programs, some youth stay on through age 20! 

Averaging 9-15 players per team (although not restricted to a minimum), the teams play 8-12 games per season –  sometimes more as it depends on the weather and field conditions!  Games generally begin mid-to-late April or early May and generally continue through June.  Our area hosts games on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2:00.  Please see calendar for exact times and places, as they do change sometimes due to scheduling conflicts. The kids are “Team Players” – participating with the team for the entire season of play.   For some events, the teams may be “mixed up,” and it is not essential to have the entire team present. A “soft-T-ball” is used, and players may hit off a “tee” or from a “soft-pitch” from an adult or older youth.  All players bat each time the team is up.  Though “outs” may be accomplished, the “runner” remains on base and continues through the game, receiving high-fives and praise as each crosses home plate.  Some children are very skilled and strong; some need assistance in holding the bat!  Some leagues use “buddies.”  In most areas, no “fee” is required for participation, though donations and sponsorships are accepted and can be tax deductible.  Players are covered by Little League’s insurance and kids will receive a uniform shirt and hat to keep.  All equipment is provided, tho families may decide to provide their own mitt, bat, or helmet.  Cleats are not required (in fact, metal cleats are not allowed.) Helmets must be NOSCAE approved.   Tennis shoes are fine, as are jeans or sweatpants!         

We’re always looking for “just the right individuals” to manage and coach the kids!  If you have a love for working with “challenged youth,” enjoy seeing them having fun, would like to be part of a teaching experience, and would like to work with the very basics of what Little League was designed around, get in touch with me.  (Completion of Volunteer Forms is required toward Background Checks.) Registration for the current season is required by no later than April 1^st of the current April – June playing season.         

I look forward to hearing from new families and interested individuals, potential sponsors, or programs!

Wendy Knodel Email me for more info!
D7 Challenger Little League Representative