Challenger baseball coming up Saturday

This year is the fourth year of the Challenger baseball game, played at the Hospital baseball field and organized by Connecting Horizons, with help from members of the Kahnawake Mixed Softball League, including its commissioner, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) chief Ryan Montour.

“Come out and cheer on the athletes, because they feed off of that energy. They’re waving to the crowd, and they’re so happy, they’re so full of pride that this is a game that is designed for them,” said Iris Phillips, advocacy coordinator for Connecting Horizons.

“There’s plenty to watch. There’s a lot of socialization, food and cheering and energy. It’s one of those feel-good events, where if you just need a lift in your life, this definitely is the event to go to.”

The 23 special needs players registered to play in Saturday’s game range in age from elders to a player who is three years old, who will get assistance from a parent.

There is no baseball experience or prerequisite skill level for the game.

“The only requirement is that our players have enthusiasm and love for the game and are willing to try to come out and make friends and be among their peers,” said Phillips.

People with mobility aids are also welcome to participate.

“We’re really happy that we could expand this a little bit more than just to those that are able bodied,” said Phillips.

The game will be three innings long, and each player will get a turn at the plate in every inning.

Following the game, a medal ceremony will be held, where everyone involved will receive a medal for participating.

A trophy will also be given to the family of Eleanor Whitebean, a community member who had played in the Challenger game in years past who died last year.

Whitebean had been the one to throw the opening pitch in last year’s game.

“She was such a positive person, I cannot emphasize that more. She came up with a smile, and she was laughing and joking,” said Phillips.

Whitebean played with the help of a wheelchair, which did not limit her enthusiasm, Phillips said.

“There was always one or two people that were kind of fighting over who was going to be pushing her around the bases, because she was a fan favourite.

“She would hit the ball, her escort would push her around the bases and she always had so much fun. She would put her arms in the air, she was laughing and smiling and cheering and blowing kisses to the crowd. She was a complete positive force, and she definitely will be missed.”

Phillips said that the crowd and volunteers who come and enjoy the game are also a big part of what makes it special.

“Once you’re part of the Challenger baseball game, it just warms your heart and it makes you want to come back and do another one,” said Phillips.

While the date has moved around a little bit for the Challenger game, including a trial in hosting two games last year, Phillips said that going forward, the goal will be to have one game played after Labour Day.

This Saturday’s game will begin at 11 a.m. in concurrence with Tsotso’s Duck Race, which will be happening nearby at the Onake Paddling Club.

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