Challenger Baseball bringing hundreds to Dover City Park
DOVER – A baseball league for players with special needs will draw hundreds to Dover City Park this weekend.
The Challenger Baseball state tournament is on Saturday and Sunday, with 34 teams and nearly 400 players from 10 leagues from across Ohio. Event organizer Jennifer Flaherty says they’re expecting more than 1,300 family members and supporters.
She says hotels are completely booked in the Dover and New Philadelphia area extending into Sugarcreek. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is helping organizers provide families with information on restaurants and area attractions to check out while they’re here.
Even though hundreds of out-of-towners are expected, Flaherty wants locals to come check out this uplifting brand of America’s pastime. The opening ceremony is at 9 a.m. Saturday with Greg Kimble and Percy Garner throwing out the first pitch.
People with special needs between the ages of 5 and 51 play in a Little League division and an adult division. They play 2-inning games and don’t keep track of outs or the score. The focus is on making friends and connections, taking turns, following rules and being independent.
There also be a petting zoo, Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater from the Cars movies, the Andy Griffith Mayberry police car, free lunch from Hog Heaven on Saturday, and a special dance for the players Saturday night, hosted by Strasburg schools.
Flaherty says dozens of volunteers are still needed. You can help by signing up through the Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball Facebook page.