Buddy Ball is underway

It’s the summertime when everyone can get outdoors to participate in all the fun, and it’s possible with a league such as Buddy Ball.

Buddy Ball is a baseball league that was created to allow those with physical or developmental disabilities to experience the game of baseball firsthand while building a support network for individuals, families and the community.

Nine-year-old Annie Morrissey got firsthand experience Tuesday night of how fun Buddy Ball is during their second game of the season.

“It’s been really fun,” Morrissey said. “We’ve got to do a lot of fun stuff. We learn about teamwork, meet new people and make new friends.”

Besides getting snacks, Morrissey said her favorite thing about Buddy Ball is getting to hit the ball. Her fellow teammate Lucy Landers said she’s enjoyed playing baseball; her favorite part is the pitching.

Entering its 10th year, Buddy Ball has made it possible for children and adults to get off the sideline and into the action. The concept of Buddy Ball is to help those with disabilities to have an opportunity to play baseball with a buddy by their side. Board member Dave Elledge said Buddy Ball is nothing without its volunteers, who take the time to come out and provide help wherever needed.

After a big hit to third base, Gideon Pfeffer runs dashes to first base alongside his buddy Tuesday in the Buddy Ball Baseball League.DAR/D�Courtland Christian

Longtime coach Naomi Deaton said Buddy Ball gets great support from the community each year, and this season is no different. Teams now include ages eight through junior high and high school and older. Both groups capped out at 40 players per league.

Recently, the league expanded to give more opportunities to those who wanted to participate, but Buddy Ball could see another expansion due to this year’s number of sign-ups.

“So far, we all had a lot of fun,” Deaton said. “We let the kids hit however they choose using the tee or a pitch from the coach, but we just have fun. We just invite anybody to come out and just have fun. We have a lot of people from the community that lend their time as service buddies for our younger and older teams.”

Deaton said having options such as Buddy Ball is great because people with disabilities enjoy getting out to have fun just like any other person, and it does a great job of getting everyone active.

“I look forward to this every year because it provides everyone an opportunity to participate in baseball, and they really enjoy it. We wish we had more sports to offer, but maybe that will come one day,” she added.

Buddy Ball will play its remaining games of the season at Whiteley Park, and the final game will be played at Poplar Bluff High. The remaining games for Buddy Ball are June 6, June 13 and June 20. The younger league plays at 6 p.m., while the older league starts at 6:45 p.m.