Challenger Baseball Starts Swinging For the Fences For the 2024 Season

Peterborough Challenger Baseball broke out the gloves and bats as it kicked off their season opener for 2024 at Brinton Carpet Park on Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The organization supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges or chronic health issues that prevent them from playing organized sports.

The league typically kicks off on the Monday after the May 24 weekend, with the final game in late August.

“There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes over the winter but it makes it all worthwhile when you're and you see everyone giving it all on the ballfield,” said Joe Keating, Peterborough Challenger coach.

Those benefitting from the program learn skills such as communication, teamwork and confidence-building while getting exercise and having fun.

“A lot of it is learning to interact with your peers and play on a team,” explained Keating. Some people don't get a chance to do that so much so we provide an opportunity and environment where everyone can feel welcome and contribute and be successful on a team with their friends.”

As the organization continues throughout the years, the league sees a lot of returning faces but also welcomes several new players into the league.

“We really focus on fun rather than competing,” said Keating. “There's a competitive edge but the focus is for all the players to be successful. We make it fun for the players but we also try to teach and push them to get out of their comfort zone.”

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