Kids & Family
Challengers to Play First Game on Field for Handicapped Players
The Tinley Park Bobcats want all players to be comfortable—and safe—taking the field at Bettenhausen Park. On May 18, The group will cut the ribbon on its brand new handicapped-accessible Challengers Field.
It's been the field of their dreams, and on May 18, the Tinley Park Bobcats will celebrate the grand opening of a special field several years in the making.
A group of parents and coaches from the Tinley Park Bobcats baseball league raised the $300,000 needed to build handicapped-accessible Challengers Fields—with features designed for players with physical and mental disabilities. The field's footing is made of rubber to absorb crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, or unsteady gaits. The bases are painted in place to prevent tripping, and the dugouts are larger and easier to access.
The 50-plus Challengers players will enjoy the field of their own, located at Bettenhausen Park, 16500 S. 76th Ave. in Tinley Park. The new field will be approximately 13,500 square feet of space. The effort has been backed by State Sen. Michael Hastings and Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki.
The grand opening will start at 12:30 p.m. and will include a Challengers players parade with the Victor J. Andrew High School marching band, a ribboncutting, speeches and dedications—and the game they've all been waiting for.
The league welcomes players ages 5 through 30 years old, from Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Frankfort, Mokena, Evergreen Park and Steger. The Bobcats Organization, in its 40th year, covers the cost of each player in the Challengers league, including uniforms and trophies. Three teams compete in the league: the Cubs (ages 5 to 10), Sox (ages 11 to 16) and Angels (ages 17 to 27). Coaches pitch to the batters in the three-inning games, and there are no outs in play.
The Challengers play other teams in the Bobcat organization, travel teams and even Andrew High School's varsity team. They take the field every Tuesday for 12 weeks, May through July.
"These are their classmates," said the Challengers' Denis Murphy. "We try to make the children feel like they're really part of the program."
"With an accessible field, the special needs’ individuals in our Challengers’ division are able to enjoy America’s pastime in an environment void of obstacles," reads a mission statement on the Challengers Field website. "Our continual support of their desire to play baseball is only surpassed by their enthusiasm for the sport."
Murphy looks forward to adding more names to the Bobcats' exclusive "homerun club"—a sign that hangs over the Concession stand at the park.
"That thrill of hitting a home run over the fence?" Murphy said. "We'll get another dozen kids who will have that."
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