Mayor Jimmy Davis has announced the Division of Recreation will start a “Buddy Baseball/Softball League” for those with special needs, this spring.
“Buddy Baseball/Softball,” open to Bayonne residents, ages four to 21, is a program for mentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of baseball and softball participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
More than the skills of baseball and softball learned through the experience, the value of the “Buddy Baseball/Softball” League is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
Games will take place in May and June at the 11th Street Oval. Every player will receive a full baseball/softball uniform, including jersey, pants, socks and a hat. The Division of Recreation will supply all the equipment.
Teams will be broken into to eight to ten players and every player will have the opportunity to bat and play the field.
A “Buddy” program will be implemented and “buddies” will assist players according to their needs. This may include helping a player bat or field the ball, pushing a wheel-chair bound player around the bases or simply motivating.
There is no cost to participate in the “Buddy Baseball/Softball League.”
Mayor Davis and the Division of Recreation will hold a special meeting for interested players, parents and guardians regarding the “Buddy Baseball/Softball” League on February 9 at 7:15 p.m. at the Washington School Auditorium.
For more information, contact Pete Amadeo at the division of recreation at
(201)858-6129 or email bayonnerec@aol.com.