Challenger game biggest one yet

The Hospital baseball field was host to an unprecedented number of smiles and cheers for the fourth annual Challenger Baseball Game for Extraordinary Athletes, with over 100 people - more people than ever before - coming to watch the 23 players with special needs and those supporting them play their hearts out on Saturday.

Iris Phillips, advocacy coordinator for Connecting Horizons, said that the atmosphere at this year’s game was extremely positive and joyful.

“We had fans who were not only in the stands, but they were in front of the hospital, parked in their cars. When there was a good play, you could hear the honking, and they would flash their lights. Even the ambulance showed up, they put their lights on to celebrate,” said Phillips.

“It was fun and energetic, but I don’t think there’s one word that we could use to describe it. I think it’s more of a feeling, like you have to experience it to fully understand what the day brings.”

More people meant Connecting Horizons needed some more help running things, on top of the volunteers they already had, including from the Kahnawake Mixed Softball League (KMSL). Luckily, they received that help from people in the stands, as well as material help from the Knights of Columbus, who lent them their barbecue for hotdogs when their existing barbecue was not up to the task.

“We greatly appreciate everybody’s contribution,” said Phillips.

The players, of course, also had a blast.

Players of all ability, age, and skill levels came to play, one being as young as three years old.

Four new players joined the ranks to bring the number up to 23 this year. With Connecting Horizons expecting 18 or so, it was another sign of the game being embraced by the community.

“The ones who have been playing with us for four years, they definitely know what to expect. They were leading and guiding the younger ones,” said Phillips.

The day was also emotional, the game being in memory of Eleanor Whitebean, who had played in all the Challenger games prior to her passing after last year’s fall game.

Her family was presented with a trophy to commemorate her.

“That was a very touching moment. They stayed the whole game, and that was pretty awesome,” said Ryan Montour, commissioner of the KMSL and Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) council chief.

Another touching moment for Montour is when one of the younger players, seven-year-old Kroy Goodleaf, said a prayer and a few words on the microphone to thank the people who had come to watch them play. Two more followed suit: Michael Dell and Daisy Berello.

“Even our head trainer, he’s like ‘Ryan, I’m very emotional right now.’ It wasn’t planned, he just took the mic,” said Montour.

“It’s showing the confidence that they’re gaining from these games, the ability to bond with their teammates, but also acknowledging the people coming out there to support them. It’s building their life skills, and they are coming out of their shells.”

As both a longtime supporter and volunteer and as a council chief, Montour considers the Challenger game to be something very meaningful for players and the community as a whole.

“They’re community members first. I think they deserve to be treated as equals, not just as somebody with a disability. I think the game really showed that they can be part of something really great,” said Montour.

“An event like this is totally 1,000 percent worth it, so is every moment empowering these people.”

Next year will be the fifth year of Challenger Baseball, and Phillips said they are already starting to plan something special for the occasion.

“We do know that we want to make it a benchmark game. We have a couple of ideas,” said Phillips.

“We’re looking to invite special guests to come and play, and we’re hoping to extend it, not just for the players, but for their families.”

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