A Little League Game for All

It was a typical scene on the baseball diamond at in Washington Township Friday afternoon as kids got their gloves and bats ready for a game. But this was no typical game. There was no umpire, no scorekeeper and no enforcement of rules.

It was the second Challenger baseball game organized in a joint effort by the Washington Township Baseball/Softball organization and the Westwood Baseball Association. The game included children with special needs, those who play Little League and volunteers who wanted to help.

One of the participants was Benjamin Waldinger, 9, of Washington Township. He was all smiles as he rounded the bases with the help of two canes after hitting the ball off the tee. Many of the kids chanted "Benny!" for him throughout the game.

His father, Dan, said Benjamin participated in the first Challenger game held last year in Westwood and really enjoyed it.

"It's very nice for the towns to put this on," he said.

Annette Ciringione of Westwood said her son Michael, who hit, stood in the pitching position and played first base, also participated last year.

"This helps with his confidence," Annette said.

She added that Michael plays recreational sports for Westwood and the coaches have been very supportive. "They bend over backwards for him," she said.

Lisa Lavitol of Hillsdale said her daughter Juliana, 13, came to the township event to see what it was all about. She also plays in a league in Hillsdale.

"It's good for them socially and for their self esteem," Lisa said. "It's hard to find things for them to do."

President of Washington Township Baseball/Softball Kevin Stapleton said he hopes to start a Challenger league for Westwood and township children. He said the volunteers were great both last year and Friday and believes the volunteers and participants benefit from the program.

Jackie Romeo, a freshman at from Washington Township, volunteered at the Challenger game. "I've done a few of the events they do with this program so I heard about this and decided it would be fun," she said.

She ran around the bases with participants, helped them while they were up to bat and threw balls to them.

Joe Gaglioti, an eighth-grader at Westwood Jr./Sr. High School from Washington Township, said he did it for the children. "I wanted to help out the kids who need help," he said. "It's a good deed to do." He spent much of his time with Benjamin.

Westwood Recreation Director Gary Buchheister said there is a year-round special needs program through his department and he reached out to all those in charge to incorporate a Challenger aspect.

"This is just a start," Buchheister said. He hopes to expand it next year into a regular program.

Westwood Mayor John Birkner, who opened the game, said he hopes the program continues to grow. "It's great to see so many baseball players here that want to be involved," he said.

Township Mayor Janet Sobkowicz, who closed the event, thanked the organizations for putting the game together. When she asked the kids in attendance if they wanted to participate in another Challenger game, there were cheers of "Yeah!" and many happy faces.