A League of Their Own

This weekend, Whitefish Bay kids with special needs experienced something that most other children take for granted – they played little league baseball with their friends.

The matchup between the Whitefish Bay Bats and the Menomonee Falls Braves marked the first game of Whitefish Bay Little League's new Challenger Division for boys and girls with physical and mental challenges. The division, which first started on the national level in 1989, is open to ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in high school.

In its season opener at Craig Counsell Park Sunday afternoon, the Bats put 13 players on the field. They were assisted by a squad of 19 other Whitefish Bay Little League youth, who helped their special needs league mates hit the ball, run the bases and play the field.

Menomonee Falls has had a Challenger Division in place for more than 15 years. Gary Oliversen, one of the team's coaches, said he got involved when his son Brent was six years old. Although Brent isn't able to walk or swing a bat, Oliversen said his son's facial expressions show his love for the game.

"He's a big Brewers fan, so he likes being outside and being on the field," Oliversen said. "We have a great time."

Although some of the kids would rather sit in the outfield than field a grounder, Falls coach Jim Seidl said players usually improve their skills over time. One of the Falls players who dug around in the dirt and plucked blades of grass two years ago eventually developed his game and is now one of the more active players on the team.

"They've worked on their fundamentals, and they've worked out their fears about going on the field," Seidl said. "They found out they can do it."

If your child is interested in joining the fun, check out the website for the Whitefish Bay Bats and the Menomonee Falls Braves