Tuscarawas County Challenger Baseball is offering a $10 signup special from now through January 13th to kick off their 10th anniversary season. The league is open to individuals ages 5 and over with disabilities or cognitive delays. (Submitted photo)

Tuscarawas County, Ohio - The county’s Challenger Baseball league is kicking off its 10th year with discounted signups for their upcoming season.

Tuscarawas County Challenger League President Jennifer Flaherty says they’re running a $10 signup special from now through January 13th for their Spring 2019 season. 

“After the 13th, our fees will go back up to $40 for one player and $60 for a family of two or more,” she says. “It’s a nice discount for the families that want to try it but maybe don’t want to invest the whole $40. They can pay the $10 and try it out.” 

Flaherty says Challenger Baseball is a non-competitive league for anyone age 5 or older with physical disabilities or cognitive delays.  

“Each game consists of about an hour long. There’s two innings. Everybody hits. Everybody plays the field. Hitting is usually everybody’s favorite. And we just cheer on everybody. We cheer for both sides, and it’s fun,” she explains.

Flaherty says Challenger Baseball is a good experience for both the players and their families.  

“Challenger, I think, is good for the kids as it is for the parents. For the kids, they get to learn socialization. They get to see their friends and classmates out of the school setting. They get to build independence by playing baseball,” she says. “If they’re not able to maybe stand out there by themselves or they need some assistance, we do have buddies that go out and stand with them.”

Registration forms are available on the Tuscarawas County Challenger League website at www.tusc-challenger.com. The spring season opens on May 11th and culminates the last weekend of July when the league hosts the Challenger Baseball State Tournament at Dover Park. 

STACEY CARMANY, TUSCO TV