"Ask any parent what they want most for their child, and they would probably answer something like 'I want he/she to be healthy and happy'. Ask any parent of a special needs child what they want most for their child and . . . they of course would want the same. As life unfolds for these special people we as parents, and community seek out opportunities for those goals. The Wheaton Jrs. Rising Star Buddy Baseball Program took on this mission 18 years ago. Seeking happiness for your child is a tricky thing . . . because it usually comes naturallly with a child's abilities/skills and involvement in different activities, building social relationships simultaneously. But . . . what about those individuals who don't have the ability/talent/skill/social contacts to create the happiness . . . the sense of belonging? Buddy Baseball has provided that "space" where people are people, welcomed unconditionally. Yes, everyone makes the team, you don't worry about who you're playing, you're thankful you have a coach, and all parents yell and scream on the sidelines for all the children . . . imagine that!!! Come see a game and witness the ear to ear smile on a nonambulatory child "running" to 1st base, or a child with a walker cross home plate, or hear my daughter yell to her brothers . . . "Boys, I did it, I did it", as she smacks the ball for the first time without use of the tee! Happiness is not what the scoreboard dictates, but what your heart feels as a founder, a coordinator, a coach, a photographer capturing the thrills, a parent, a grandparent, or a player when walking off the field. To us as parents nothing speaks louder then when our rather quiet, expressive language delayed "girly girl" says "I had fun" on our way to the ice cream parlor. Oh . . . and you think the players had fun, just ask a buddy what they feel . . . . . . . . happiness for all at a sporting event???....WOW. "
The Dungans
Rising Stars Buddy Baseball is the essence of the Wheaton Junior Woman's Club. For the past 20 years, WJWC has hosted a baseball camp for children with disabilities during the month of July. Able-bodied players, or buddies, are paired up with the campers to learn baseball skills, play baseball games and to develop friendships. The players and buddies come from near and far to participate.
The games are played at the Briar Patch Park in Wheaton for five consecutive weeks, starting in July. The last game will be in August and will include an ice cream social and an awards ceremony. No baseball experience is needed, just a love for the game. The player's fee is $15 which covers a team t-shirt and ball cap. There is no fee for buddies who will also receive a t-shirt. Raffle prizes are given out to both buddies and players throughout the 5 weeks.
The camp started in 1991 with 7 players and 11 buddies. In 2011, the club welcomed 47 players and more than 70 buddies. We are hoping for even more in the 2012 season! This project encompasses what it means to do service work for the community and is easily the most meaningful 5 weeks of the Junior's club calendar. Please come join WJWC this summer and see for yourself what Buddy Baseball is all about. We promise you'll be glad you did!
Stay tuned for 2012 season dates and registration information….
For any Buddy Baseball questions, please send us an email at: buddybaseball@wheatonjrs.com
