Syracuse Challenger Baseball Participates in Little League World Series

The local program for special needs athletes achieved a milestone recently.

Williamsport, N.Y. - When you watch an athlete wheel himself up to the plate, put both hands on the bat waiting for connection with the ball, only to put his hands back on the wheelchair to wheel himself to first base without a care in the world but the biggest smile on his face. Or the athlete that when they are ready to score the run, they fling themself out of the wheelchair so they can physically slide into home plate.

Those are the moments bigger than sports.

“This is a moment we have waited years for. Our Challenger players finally got the opportunity to come to the Little League World Series, the mecca of the world,” said Dom Cambareri, who runs the Syracuse Challenger Baseball program. “It goes to show that all athletes deserve the opportunity to play the great game of baseball.”

The Syracuse Challenger Baseball program is the largest single-district Little League International Challenger program for children and adults with special needs in the country. This past weekend they made history as the first Syracuse Challenger Baseball team to play in the Little League World Series.

An opportunity of a lifetime that the athletes, their loved ones, and everyone watching will never forget.

“The Challenger game is always heartwarming and the response of the fans filling a stadium is incredible,” said Gerald Davis, five-time MLB World Series Umpire. “If you are a baseball fan this should be on your bucket list.”

On September 10th, the Syracuse Challenger World Series Baseball team will host a celebration at Carrier Park where each athlete will be recognized and play their final game of the summer. Until then, each athlete and their family will be soaking in the weekend and the memories made.