Welcome to Challenger Baseball!

Little League baseball’s newest addition in Santa Barbara County is the Challenger Division, bringing together special needs boys and girls ages 5 – 22 years old to PLAY BALL!  Children with physical and developmental challenges are getting a chance to experience the joy of baseball, build self-esteem and be part of a team.  And best of all “typical” little league players from the major teams are enlisted weekly to help with Challengers by being their big “buddies”. This is a one of a kind program enabling these kids to build character, compassion, sportsmanship and form friendships. 

Now offering programs in Goleta, Carpinteria, Ojai and Ventura. Game times vary at each location. Please click here for more information.

A Brief History Years ago a six year old boy with Down’s syndrome begged his mom to play baseball.  Calls were made from one end of the county to the other only to find no such team sport existed for these Special kids. That all changed with the last phone call.  In spring 2004, Dos Pueblos Little League eagerly opened their arms and heart to the challenge. The DPLL Board of Directors welcomed all boys and girls with physical and developmental “challenges” to join with “typical” children on the ball fields of Little League. Over time, additional programs have been added throughout our district so that more children can participate.

About our Program

The Challenger Division of Little League is a national and world-wide program for boys and girls with physical, developmental and intellectual challenges. The league aims to help all players enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.

More than the skills of baseball learned through the experience, the value of the Little League Challenger Division is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play, which are hallmarks of the Little League program.

The Little League Challenger Division provides the framework so Little League programs may offer a structured, athletic activity for all youth in their communities. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields, Challenger Division participants have the opportunity to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.

Our Rules

• All Children ages 5 through 22, or who remain in school, with physical or mental disabilities are encouraged to participate.
• Level of play based upon player’s size, age and skill level are recommended where numbers allow.
• Teams can include as many as 10 to 12 players.
• Players can participate in one of three levels: Tee Ball, Coach-Pitch, Player-Pitch.
• Each player in Tee Ball and Coach- Pitch may use the “Buddy” system, however, it is not mandatory.
• “Buddies” can also assist the Player-Pitch participants.
• Every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game.
• No team is scheduled to play more than one game in one day.
• The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster, or when three outs are recorded.
• Little League recommends that no score be kept during games.
• Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches, and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers.
• Insurance for the Challenger Division is set at the same low cost as other Little League Divisions and is available through Little League International in Williamsport, Pa. However, whenever possible and with reasonable accommodations, disabled children should participate in unrestricted league play provided their participation is possible and fair within the standard rules and regulations of Little League.

A Typical Game day: Greeting Time:  Introduction of new players and major little league buddies, announcements and warm up exercises. Skill Drill Stations:  Players rotate for practice in Batting – use of tees OR   Coach/Pitch; Catching/throwing softballs with the option of using adaptive equipment such as rubber balls, whiffle balls, bean bags or squishy balls; and Fielding skills – direction, terms, basic rules, etc. Game Time:  We put all skill drills together in a “Game” while parents and fans cheer wildly in the stands.  Time Concludes with Team Cheers and the Challenger Victory Run through a Human Tunnel of friends and family.  AAA Division: Uses typical little league team format with some rule flexibility for those capable and interested in competitive district play.

Tell a Friend!

“This has been one of the most successful activities that JP has ever been a part of …” 
                   Lisa Wilcox- parent of an “Incredible” team player