Challenger Baseball: Making Young People and their Parents Proud
Molthen-Bell Funeral Home • October 1, 2019
Molthen-Bell's Pam Bierbach helps make sure children with unique challenges get to make plays -- and memories -- to last them a lifetime.
Sharing the unique qualities and friendships of being on a team, bonding around the challenges of the sport, and making memories that will serve them as they grow up.
It’s no secret that children with disabilities often face barriers to participating in organized team sports. These young people -- and in many respects their parents as well -- typically miss out on experiences and lifelong friendships that other sports families may take for granted.
The realization occurred to Molthen-Bell administrator, Pam Bierbach, who found an avenue to support young people through Challenger Baseball.
“They have eight games over the course of the summer. They each get a 'helper' to guide them around the bases, bat, throw and so on. It is the most amazing thing to watch,” Bierbach said.
Challenger Baseball
brings America's national pastime to willing participants, no matter their limitations. These leagues, forged through the partnerships with local Little League organizations, are making the aspirations of special needs children a reality.
Bierbach added that parents of participants are given the chance to see their kids race down a field, catch a ball, and be a part of a team, something that otherwise seems impossible for many of these children.
“Not only is Challenger Baseball offering confidence to these incredibly determined young kids,” Bierbach said. “It provides huge amounts of hope and pride for their parents, too.”
The Challenger program is special. Each game is adapted to levels of skills, adding to the inclusion, which is the most important part. The program also offers children the chance to walk onto a playing field on the biggest stage, Major League Baseball, right here in Milwaukee.
Challenger ball player from team Molthen-Bell walks onto the Milwaukee Brewers' baseball field at Miller Park.
Seeing the positive impact Challenger Baseball has on the members of her community, Bierbach encouraged Molthen-Bell to sponsor a team, which afforded them matching jerseys and a season’s supply of baseballs.
With this season coming to a close, Bierbach looks forward to partnering with the organization again. In her words, “Just to see the look on their parents' faces when they make a play.”
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