WCNY CHALLENGER DOCUMENTARY

WCNY produced this comprehensive look at our league and our trip to the World Series.

Here is a link to all of the games that were aired:

https://video.wcny.org/show/wcny-specials/episodes/season/2024/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFwzHFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTc2c4j1YDrYDsWAwHR25zVk-mmtsjMsA-Wf5Vgrwoi4IgiWYubN47Y3dQ_aem_oT9DyyYqwB5hyTN2eutafg

ABOUT US:

Syracuse Challenger Baseball is the nation's largest and longest-running baseball league for individuals with special needs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where children and adults of all ages and abilities can form friendships while enjoying the team sport of baseball in a relaxed, supportive setting.

The Challenger League in Syracuse is the oldest Little League program for special needs children in the country. The program was started in the 1980's by parents in Eastwood, lead by Skip Soule, who wanted their children to play baseball. Because of the commitment of those parents and parents who came after, the league has grown to become the largest Challenger League in the US with over 250 children and adults playing baseball under the umbrella of the local District 8 Little League. Syracuse is proud that their parents, volunteers and local businesses have continued to support this league and make it the envy of leagues around the country.

Our league is comprised of 6 teams for children under the age of 15, 2 Senior teams for players who want to experience a more difficult level of play and 8 adult teams for players over 15 who want to play with peers. Our players have various special needs, physical handicaps and developmental delays. The ages range from 4 up to our oldest player who is 66 years old.

In 2016 we were pleased to announce that our adult teams would be playing at the new Carrier Park Field of Dreams. Our junior teams will continue to play in Mattydale at Malden Rd. and Westwood Ave. We continue to work on the expansion of Carrier Park so that all divisions can play in the same location. Please support the sponsors who help us make the program free for all players.

CARRIER PARK SUPERFIELD FUND:

We are looking to put all of our divisions together so that they can play in the same park. Our amazing sponsors include:

  • The Morris Family (Robert and Mary Helen Morris)
  • The Lobdell Family
  • The Lally Family
  • The Central New York Community Foundation
  • The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation
  • The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
  • The Carrier Corporation

We are on our way to raising the money needed to expand Carrier Park so that all of our divisions can play at the same location.

For those of you who would like to help Carrier Park Go The Distance and raise funds towards our Superfield goal please visit and share our GoFundMe link.

YES YOU CAN PLAY

Syracuse Challenger Baseball is the oldest and largest baseball league for adults and children with disabilities in the world. Players from across Central New York have the opportunity to create friendships around the team sport of baseball. Watching a Syracuse Challenger Baseball game is a magical experience where all worries melt away and the joy of being part of a team fills the air. New parents get in on conversations about parenting, schools, and what they are feeding their kids for dinner. All this happens while laughter and cheers ring out from the fun happening on the fields.

The season runs from June through July. For our junior and adult leagues, the teams play for fun. There is no score during the games. Plus strikes, walks, and outs are not counted. The game lets every player get to bat and make a hit. When everyone has batted, the next team has a turn at the plate. Parents, coaches, family members, and friends are all encouraged to assist with batting, fielding, running, and throwing as necessary. The league prides itself on good sportsmanship and cheering every player as they do their best. The senior league plays at a higher skill level where players play the field and are ready to chase line drives or even home runs.

The Syracuse Challenger League was started in the 1980s by parents in Eastwood and because of their commitment and the vision of those that have managed the league since then, the league has grown to become the largest Challenger League in the US with over 250 children and adults. Syracuse is proud that parents, volunteers, and local businesses have continued to support our league and make it a model for other cities around the country.

Field Maps

Adult Fields

Junior and Senior Fields

Paypal Giving Fund
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Donate today using the Paypal Giving Fund.

Donate Stock
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DonateStock.com makes giving stock away easy for you and for our organization.

Guidestar Silver Award
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Guidestar recognizes Syracuse Challenger Baseball with it's Silver Award for transparency and the most complete up to date nonprofit data available.

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