Earning the trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to compete in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game are teams from Manalapan, New Jersey, and Mission Viejo, California.  

“In its 22^nd year, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game continues to be one of the most memorable events as it brings together two outstanding local Little League programs for a morning of fun competition,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Senior Director of Strategy and Development. “We are incredibly grateful for the hours and hard work the volunteers in each league’s community have dedicated to these players, and we are excited to welcome them to Williamsport in August.” 

Since 2001, the Little League Challenger Exhibition Game has been a memorable part of the Championship Weekend experience at the Little League Baseball® World Series. Little League® International will continue to support this year’s participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.   

As part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division, Eggland’s Best, the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball, will match Little League International’s grant value, donating an additional $15,000 each to the participating leagues. Eggland’s Best will also be supporting the first-ever Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest. Players traveling to Williamsport will have the opportunity to design their own unique pin design and one lucky winner from each team will have their custom pin design produced and distributed at the 2024 LLBWS Challenger Exhibition Game. 

“Eggland’s Best is proud to once again pledge support to Little League’s Challenger Division, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the next generation of sports families,” said Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “We’re also excited to extend our support this year through the inaugural Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest, celebrating creativity and participation. This initiative embodies our dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities for young athletes, reflecting our core values of community support and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles.” 

Meet the teams playing in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game:  

Manalapan Township (N.J.) Little League Challenger Division

Established in 2016, Manalapan Township LL volunteers and leadership have worked hard to grow its Challenger Division. The division has gone from only meeting a few times a season, to participating in the league’s Senior Division championship game each year, competing against its neighbor league, Freehold Township (N.J.) Little League, and having its own mascot – Buster.  

In 2023, the Challenger Division held the New Jersey Statewide Challenger Exhibition tournament, hosting eight teams from across the state for a day of skill drills and competitive games. It was the division’s first step towards its goal of bringing communities together to provide athletes with a fun, community-driven experience.  

“The Challenger team from Manalapan Baseball Association is absolutely thrilled to be participating in the 2024 Challenger Exhibition game at the Little League World Series,” said Kevin Horstman, Manalapan LL Challenger Division Coordinator. “This golden opportunity is a dream come true for our Challenger family. We are so honored and excited to take the field with the Challenger team from California and make memories that will last a lifetime for our players, buddies, parents, and coaches.”  

California District 68 (Mission Viejo, Calif.) Challenger Division

Since 1991, California District 68’s Challenger Division has grown, seeing a steady increase in participating players each year. Operating today with five teams and about 70 players in the district, the Challenger Division has become a leading program in Southern California.

“For 20 years, my son Bobby and I have been committed to the success of our Challenger program, and I could not be more grateful for the volunteers in our community who make this program possible. While Bobby started in the program as a player, he has since begun coaching kids who want an opportunity to play ball like he did and it’s an honor to coach with him on the field now and for a truly full-circle experience,” said Rod Hurt, California District 68 Assistant District Administrator. “I’m honored that our team has been selected for this great opportunity, and the privilege of bringing a squad to Williamsport for the Challenger Exhibition game is so thrilling.”  

The 2024 Little League Baseball World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, is set to take place on August 14-25. To learn more and plan your trip to Williamsport, visit LittleLeague.org/Visit.

About Eggland’s Best

Eggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities. Independent testing has also confirmed that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs. The distinctive “EB” stamp on the shell assures consumers and food service customers that Eggland’s Best eggs meet the highest production and safety standards.   

Eggland’s Best was voted “America’s Most Trusted Egg Brand” by American shoppers in the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards and “America’s Most Recommended Eggs” by women in the Women’s Choice Awards. In addition, Eggland’s Best has received more than 100 awards and honors from trusted publications, such as Good Housekeeping, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, Health, Men’s Health, and many others. 

Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. Eggland’s Best eggs are available in the refrigerated egg aisle in Large, Extra-Large, Jumbo, Cage Free, Organic, Free Range, Pasture Raised, Hard-Cooked, Cage Free Hard-Cooked, Organic Hard-cooked and Liquid Egg Whites. The Eggland’s Best various frozen varieties can be found in the frozen breakfast section. Eggland’s Best Frozen Omelets, Bowls and Egg Bites make it easier than ever to start the day with the great taste and nutrition of Eggland’s Best eggs. All Eggland’s Best eggs are certified Kosher. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com. 

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Little League® International remembers Dr. Darrell Burnett, a former member of the Little League International Board of Directors and longtime Little League Challenger Division® volunteer in California Districts 55 and 68.

Dr. Burnett, a clinical psychologist who specialized in youth sports, worked with special needs children for nearly 30 years. In 2007, he was recognized by Little League with the annual Little League Challenger Award for his efforts in the Rancho Niguel Little League and neighboring Little League programs in Northern California. In that same year, Dr. Burnett joined the Little League International Board of Directors and he began his time as a commentator for the television coverage of the  annual Little League Challenger Exhibition Game played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, during the Little League Baseball World Series. Dr. Burnett retired from the Board of Directors in November 2016.

“We are all saddened by Dr. Burnett’s passing,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “He was a dear friend, a big part of our program and a valued volunteer leader who was hugely impactful though his selfless service to the Little League International Board of Directors and the Little League Challenger Division.”

One of Dr. Burnett’s greatest contributions to the Challenger Division was working with fellow volunteers to help make the program even more inclusive, expanding the age limit past the previous limit of 18 years old, and helping to develop the Senior Challenger Division.

In addition, Dr. Burnett authored several articles for Little League’s online publications and donated his time to speak at various public events. For more than 10 years, Dr. Burnett, a native Californian, helped to organize Little League Challenger Days at Angels Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Dr. Burnett was an unwavering champion for Little League Challenger Division and was always willing to provide guidance on how to expand opportunity for local leagues to support children and volunteers with special needs.

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As part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division^®, Eggland’s Best, the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball, recently surprised the two participating teams of the 2023 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game with a $5,000 check to support their league’s efforts.

“At Eggland’s Best, we are committed to supporting families, and this grant for Little League Challenger Division further solidifies that promise,” said Kurt Misialek, Eggland’s Best President and CEO. “As the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball, we are proud to fuel the next generation of sports families, especially Little Leaguers, to help them be their best on and off the field.”

The check was presented to the representatives of both Challenger of Lancaster County (Pa.) Little League and New York District 8 Little League Challenger Division (Syracuse, N.Y.) by Mr. Misialek and Dave Holdsworth, Eggland’s Best Vice President of Marketing, prior to their game on Volunteer Stadium on Saturday, August 26, 2023.

“For more than 20 years, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a marquee event for everyone involved at the Little League Baseball World Series, and we are grateful to have Kurt and the entire Eggland’s Best team here to support this year’s participants in such a generous way,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “This event showcases the opportunities and experience felt by thousands of Challenger Division participants and their buddies around the world each year, and we are proud to have the support of Eggland’s Best as we look to find more ways to grow this program and enhance the offerings of the Challenger Division at every level.”

In its first year as an Official Partner of Little League, Eggland’s Best has committed its support to the Little League Challenger Division, which includes serving as the presenting sponsor of the WVIA broadcast of this year’s Exhibition Game. Additionally, the organization has established a grant program to help local leagues start a Challenger Division in their community, upgrade their facilities to become more accessible, or further enhance the operation and offerings within their program.

The Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a part of the Little League Baseball World Series schedule since 2001 and has become a fan favorite as part of the Championship Weekend experience. In addition to the funding provided by Eggland’s Best to support local league operations, Little League^® International also supports the participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.

To learn more about the Little League Challenger Division, visit LittleLeague.org/Challenger.

The post Eggland’s Best Surprises 2023 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Teams with $5,000 Grant appeared first on Little League.

The matchup is set for the memorable Little League Challenger Division^® Exhibition Game as teams from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse, New York, have earned the trip to compete during the 2023 Little League Baseball^® World Series in August.

“Playing in the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game at the World Series is one of the most exciting opportunities available for our local leagues and we are proud to give this opportunity to these two well-deserving programs this summer,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Senior Director of League Development and the Challenger Division. “We are so grateful for the work that the volunteers in these two communities have done for their players, and we look forward to welcoming to Williamsport in August.”

The Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a part of the Little League Baseball World Series schedule since 2001 and has become a fan favorite as part of the Championship Weekend experience. Little League^® International supports the participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.

Meet the teams playing in the 2023 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game, both of which have been affiliated with the Little League program since the Challenger Division was first established in 1989:

Challenger of Lancaster County (Pa.) Little League

Over the course of the past three decades, Challenger of Lancaster County Little League has developed its program to now operate 12 teams and approximately 175 players each season. In 2016, the league increased its offerings by adding a Senior Challenger Division for individuals over the age of 15, which now provides opportunities for four teams.

“We are excited to be selected to participate in the annual Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game at the World Series in Williamsport this August,” said Mike Tafelski, Challenger of Lancaster County Little League Manager. “This selection, which marks the first time a team from Lancaster County will be represented in Williamsport, is a tribute to all the players and volunteers who have participated in our program over the past three decades. An honor bestowed to only two Challenger Division teams each season, we are very excited to have been selected for this honor.”

New York District 8 Little League Challenger Division (Syracuse, N.Y.)

New York District 8 Little League Challenger Division, more commonly referred to as Syracuse Challenger Baseball, has helped provide children with physical and intellectual challenges the opportunity to play the game of baseball across the Syracuse community for more than three decades. Operating today with 16 teams and approximately 250 players, the league has since grown into one of the largest single-district Challenger programs in the United States. Playing its games at the Carrier Park Field of Dreams, a multi-million-dollar inclusive sports complex in Dewitt, New York, the league has had tremendous support over the years from the nearby Syracuse Spartans, Syracuse Mets, and the entire Syracuse community.

“Syracuse Challenger Baseball is ready to charge into Williamsport by storm and showcase the immeasurable talents, enthusiasm, and passion that our players, families, coaches, and volunteers have for the great game of Little League Baseball,” said Dom Cambareri, Syracuse Challenger Baseball Executive Director. “We are looking forward to spreading good cheer and camaraderie with our fellow Challenger players from Lancaster, as well as playing at the same legendary World Series event in the presence of the best Little League players and teams in the world.”

The 2023 Little League Baseball World Series is set to take place on August 16-27. The official schedule for the tournament will be announced in March and first-round pairings will be randomly drawn in June, all of which will be made available at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries. To learn more and to plan your trip to Williamsport, be sure to check out LittleLeague.org/Visit.

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As local leagues gear up for the 2023 season, Little League^® Baseball and Softball is pleased to announce an official sponsorship with Eggland’s Best, the country’s No. 1 branded egg, as the “Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Eggland’s Best as our latest official sponsor and look forward to the support and resources they will provide to our local Little League programs and volunteers,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “One of the most important aspects when creating new partnerships is the opportunity to create great programs and initiatives that support Little League players and families, and we are excited to work with Eggland’s Best to do just that.”

As part of the partnership, Eggland’s Best has committed to supporting local leagues within the Little League Challenger Division^®, an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges, through the establishment of a grant program. This grant will be designed for local leagues to start a Challenger Division in their community, upgrade their facilities to become more accessible, or further enhance the operation and offerings within their program.

“We are honored to be the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball,” said Kurt Misialek, Eggland’s Best President and CEO. “At Eggland’s Best, we are dedicated to providing the only egg good enough for you and your family, while also making nutrition interesting and fun for all.”

Eggland’s Best eggs are a great ingredient to incorporate into any meal or on-the-go snack. The leading egg brand has teamed up with Sports Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner to share tips, tricks, and recipes to keep busy sports families fueled with good nutrition.

“It can be challenging to keep the family fueled while running from practice to practice,” said Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN. “Choosing high quality, nutritious ingredients like Eggland’s Best eggs with 6X more Vitamin D, 25% less saturated fat, 10X more Vitamin E, and more compared to ordinary eggs is a great way to ensure your family is getting what they need to perform their best.”

In addition to their grant program, Eggland’s Best will also join in providing fans at the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series tournaments with fun and exciting activities within the Little League World Series Fan Zone.

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for local Little Leagues to a minimum and to provide unparalleled benefits and resources to those member leagues. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors help leagues offer the best programs possible, so players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience.

About Eggland’s Best

Eggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities. Independent testing has also confirmed that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs. The distinctive “EB” stamp on the shell assures consumers and food service customers that Eggland’s Best eggs meet the highest production and safety standards.

Eggland’s Best was voted “America’s Most Trusted Egg Brand” by American shoppers in the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards; “America’s Most Recommended Eggs” by women in the Women’s Choice Awards; and “Product of the Year.” In addition, Eggland’s Best has received more than 100 awards and honors from trusted publications, such as Prevention Magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Taste of Home, Women’s Health, and many others.

Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. Eggland’s Best eggs are available in large, extra-large, jumbo, cage free, organic, hard-cooked, cage free hard-cooked, organic hard-cooked, liquid egg whites, various frozen varieties and are certified Kosher. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com.

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As the 2022 calendar year comes to a close, Little League^® International has announced the updates and changes to its Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Operating Policies for the 2023 season. These changes were reviewed by the Little League International Board of Directors at its annual meeting on Friday, November 11, 2022, hosted by Major League Baseball at their offices in New York City, and approved by the Rules Committee and Tournament Committee.

“One of the most important factors we look at while evaluating our rules and regulations is the experience we are able to provide to our players, both on and off the field,” said Dan Velte, Little League Senior Operations Executive. “We are proud of the updates that were approved by the Board this past November and are committed to providing our volunteers with continued support, guidance, and education around these rule changes as we head into the 2023 season and beyond to ensure they can provide our players with a unique and memorable Little League experience.”

Below are just some of the key updates that will be seen starting with the 2023 season, which can be found as part of the full breakdown on LittleLeague.org/Rules:

• Continuing to Remove Financial Barriers: Through the continued support from its broadcast partner, ESPN, and the strong support from its official sponsors, Little League International continues to find new ways to remove financial barriers for its families, leagues, and volunteers. Effective with the 2023 season, the Little League Rulebook App will now be free to download. Additionally, Little League International will be reducing the 2023 tournament entry fee for the 8- to 10-Year-Old and 9- to 11-Year-Old Divisions by $50 per team.
• Tournament Mandatory Play/Continuous Batting Order: One of the significant rule changes starting in 2023 is focused on Tournament Rule 9, replacing the previous tournament mandatory play rule with a continuous batting order requirement for all divisions of tournament play except for the Senior League Baseball and Softball. Additionally, based on this change, Tournament Rule 3 (D, Baseball; E, Softball) has been updated to note that the previous tournament special pinch runner rule now applies for the Senior Division only, while providing a courtesy runner option for all other divisions of tournament play. For a full breakdown of the new Continuous Batting Order, please download the FREE Little League Rulebook App or visit LittleLeague.org/Rules. Little League International will continue to provide more information and education about this change, and all others, in the coming months closer to the start of the tournament season.

Learn More About Tournament Rule 9

• Senior League Tournament Eligibility: Another update that will be made starting with the 2023 season was made to provide flexibility to local leagues in the Senior Divisions of tournament play to place a player on a tournament team roster regardless of regular season participation, removing the previous six regular-season game requirement.

FULL SIGNIFICANT UPDATES

In addition to the significant updates above, Little League International will also be requiring all tournament managers and coaches to complete the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program in order to be eligible to participate in the Little League International Tournament. This free program, focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field must be completed prior to the individual being named a tournament team manager/coach and before participating in any practices or games. Tournament managers/coaches who have completed the program should be prepared to produce the Little League Diamond Leader completion certificate if requested by the District Administrator/Tournament Director. To learn more about the Little League Diamond Leader Program, and to take the course yourself, visit LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader.

DIAMOND LEADER PROGRAM

The FREE Little League Rulebook App has been updated with the new rules and regulations for 2023, which also includes those updates that were passed at Congress earlier this year. After discussion with the Little League International Advisory Board, Operations Committee of the Board of Directors, as well as the Rules and Tournament Committees, Little League International believes all of the updates that have been made this year are aimed at making the program easier to administer for all its volunteers to ensure the best possible player experience on and off the field.

DOWNLOAD RULEBOOK APP

To stay up-to-date with all the latest rule and regulation changes, and see a full breakdown of all the significant updates for the 2023 season, visit LittleLeague.org/Rules.

The post Free Rulebook App, Tournament Mandatory Play Highlight Updates and Rule Changes for 2023 Little League® Season appeared first on Little League.

After their originally schedule trip to compete in the Little League Challenger Division^® Exhibition Game was cut short in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mason (Ohio) Youth Organization Little League and Cambrian Park Little League (San Jose, Calif.) will head to Williamsport to play in the once-in-a-lifetime game on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. ET.

“After two years of not being able to host our Challenger Exhibition game, we are thrilled to be able to bring it back for this year’s event and honored to welcome back the two teams that were set to play in the event in 2020,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Director of League Development and Challenger Division. “The dedicated volunteers and players at Mason Youth Organization Little League and Cambrian Park Little League are beyond deserving of this opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming them to Williamsport this summer for an experience they will never forget.”

The Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a part of the Little League Baseball World Series schedule since 2001. Little League^® International supports the participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game. The game will also be broadcast live on northeastern Pennsylvania’s and the Central Susquehanna Valley’s PBS Station, WVIA.

Meet the teams playing in the 2022 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game:

Mason (Ohio) Youth Organization Little League

Since it officially launched in 2013, Mason Youth Organization Little League has proudly provided children with physical and intellectual challenges the unique opportunity to experience the game of baseball and create new friendships with other members of their community. After starting with 30 players on two teams back in 2013, the league has since grown to offer this great opportunity to more than 100 children within the community in both a Majors and Minors division. In addition to the regular season offerings, the league also works with nearby Mason High School Baseball and Softball to offer a free Fall clinic for all the league’s members to give additional opportunities throughout the year.

Located just northeast of Cincinnati, Mason Youth Organization Little League also finds additional ways to get the community involved throughout the year, including the opportunity for organizations to “Adopt-A-Team.” This program is a one-week commitment by a local community organization to support one of the league’s teams as that team’s unique group of fans, bringing signs and snacks to the game as well as creating a human tunnel at the conclusion of the game to share their love of the game with the league’s Challenger athletes. In addition to their efforts on the field, the league also works with local organizations to support a variety of initiatives focused on providing opportunities to those children with physical and intellectual challenges throughout the community.

Cambrian Park Little League (San Jose, Calif.)

A member of the Little League Challenger Division for a decade, Cambrian Park Little League has grown sixfold since it began in the spring of 2010. Located in the southwest part of San Jose as part of California District 12, the league has also served as an instrumental resource for other leagues throughout the district to successfully operate a challenger program over the past decade.

As part of the program, current members from the league’s Major and Junior baseball divisions step in each season to volunteer their time as Buddies for every game. Along with the support of the league’s current members, a number of alumni from the league continue to come back and volunteer their time as buddies, or even just to come out and support the members of the Challenger program.

For more information about the 2022 LLBWS, as well as the six other World Series events and their respective Region Tournaments, be sure to visit LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.

The post Teams from Ohio, California Set for 2022 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game appeared first on Little League.

NOTE: Many of these events may be altered or cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. For all the latest coronavirus information, please visit LittleLeague.org/Coronavirus and coronavirus.gov.

Hundreds of Little Leaguers^® with physical and intellectual challenges will have the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball this summer through the 2020 Little League Challenger Division^® Jamborees, a group of volunteer-hosted events that provide players the experience of a tournament atmosphere.

“For all of the Little Leaguers in our program, the opportunity to play baseball and softball alongside their friends, neighbors, and classmates is an experience that creates life-long memories,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Director of the Challenger Division. “Along with all the regular-season opportunities our Challenger Division programs offer each year, these Jamboree events help provide an extra level of fun and excitement for not only the participants, but all of the volunteers who help make the event so special. We are thankful for all the dedication and support that goes into these Jamborees and hope all of our participants enjoy their time on and off the field this year.”

From Opening Ceremony festivities to a variety of fun and games available to participants, each of the Little League Challenger Division Jamborees provide a unique experience for players, coaches, buddies, and volunteers. Below is the list of scheduled Little League Challenger Division Jamborees for 2020:

• April 24-26: Fourth Annual Fun Days (Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico) – CANCELED 
• April 26: California District 4 Challenger Jamboree (Walnut Creek, Calif.) – CANCELED 
• May 8-10: Jake Hardison Memorial Challenger Jamboree (Norfolk, Va.)
• May 16-17: Challenger Fun Days (San Bernardino, Calif.)
• May 22-24: 16^th Annual Western Region Challenger Jamboree (Dublin, Calif.)
• June 14: Rhode Island District 2 Challenger Jamboree (Portsmouth, R.I.)
• June 20: Washington District 8 Challenger Jamboree (Woodinville, Wash.)
• August 7-9: Atlantic Challenger Baseball Jamboree (Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada)

Find An Challenger Jamboree

For more information on getting involved with the Challenger Division and making a difference in the lives of young athletes, email challenger@LittleLeague.org.

The post Little League Challenger Division® Jamborees Spread Joy of Baseball to Communities Around North America in 2020 appeared first on Little League.

Each summer during Championship Saturday of the Little League Baseball^® World Series, two local Little League Challenger Division^® programs are given the unique opportunity to play in a once-in-a-lifetime game in Volunteer Stadium in the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game. Featured in this year’s game will be Mason (Ohio) Youth Organization Little League and Cambrian Park Little League (San Jose, Calif.).

WATCH: BEYOND THE FENCES – CHALLENGER GAME

The 2020 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game will take place on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m. ET and showcase the opportunities that the Little League Challenger Division provides to more than 30,000 children with physical and intellectual challenges at more than 900 leagues worldwide.

The Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a part of the Little League Baseball World Series schedule since 2001. Little League^® International supports the participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.

For the ninth year in a row, the game will be broadcast live on northeastern Pennsylvania’s and the Central Susquehanna Valley’s PBS Station, WVIA.

Meet the teams playing in the 2020 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game:

Mason (Ohio) Youth Organization Little League

Since it officially launched in 2013, Mason Youth Organization Little League has proudly provided children with physical and intellectual challenges the unique opportunity to experience the game of baseball and create new friendships with other members of their community. After starting with 30 players on two teams back in 2013, the league has since grown to offer this great opportunity to more than 100 children within the community in both a Majors and Minors division. In addition to the regular season offerings, the league also works with nearby Mason High School Baseball and Softball to offer a free Fall clinic for all the league’s members to give additional opportunities throughout the year.

“Mason Challenger is both honored and thrilled to be selected to participate in the 2020 Challenger Exhibition game at the Little League Baseball World Series,” said Susan Murdock, Mason Youth Organization Little League Challenger Division Coordinator. “We are looking forward to celebrating the determination and accomplishments of our athletes while they make new friends, watch amazing baseball, and experience the Little League community in this once-in-a-lifetime way. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”

Located just northeast of Cincinnati, Mason Youth Organization Little League also finds additional ways to get the community involved throughout the year, including the opportunity for organizations to “Adopt-A-Team.” This program is a one-week commitment by a local community organization to support one of the league’s teams as that team’s unique group of fans, bringing signs and snacks to the game as well as creating a human tunnel at the conclusion of the game to share their love of the game with the league’s Challenger athletes. In addition to their efforts on the field, the league also works with local organizations to support a variety of initiatives focused on providing opportunities to those children with physical and intellectual challenges throughout the community.

Cambrian Park Little League (San Jose, Calif.)

Celebrating its 10^th year as a member of the Little League Challenger Division, Cambrian Park Little League has grown sixfold since it began in the spring of 2010. Located in the southwest part of San Jose as part of California District 12, the league has also served as an instrumental resource for other leagues throughout the District to successfully operate a challenger program over the past decade.

“Cambrian Park Little League and the Challenger Division players are honored to be awarded the opportunity to participate at the Little League Baseball World Series,” said Barbara Honig Morrone, Cambrian Park Little League Challenger Division Manager. “Over the years, the Challenger program has thrived thanks to the support of District 12, our league, parents, and dedicated volunteer “Buddies.”  Our players are outstanding individuals and represent the true joy of baseball, and we are looking forward to sharing that joy in Williamsport.”

As part of the program, current members from the league’s Major and Junior baseball divisions step in each season to volunteer their time as Buddies for every game. Along with the support of the league’s current members, a number of alumni from the league continue to come back and volunteer their time as buddies, or even just to come out and support the members of the Challenger program.

LEARN MORE: CHALLENGER DIVISION

The post Update: Teams from Ohio, California to Participate in the 2020 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game appeared first on Little League.

For the 13^th year in a row, volunteers and members of Little League Challenger Division^® programs across California came together for a weekend of fun at the West Region Challenger Fun Days in San Bernardino, California, on May 18 and 19. The event was free for all participants thanks to the support of Gatorade and Stater Bros.

“The greatest part of the Challenger Fun Days is that it lets all the participants interact with their peers and be comfortable with who they are,” said Jeff Miller, co-chair of the West Region Challenger Fun Days. “The players play their game as a team but, afterword, they enjoy the carnival, swimming pool, crafts, and their meals as a large group of friends. Putting on this event with my co-chair and volunteers brings so much joy; seeing everyone smiling, laughing and having a good time. It is a really good feeling knowing I had a part in making that happen.”

This year, the Jamboree saw approximately 200 players from Little League Challenger Division programs in the High Desert, Riverside, Corona, Imperial Valley, Chula Vista, and Tijuana, and featured a full slate of baseball games, carnival games, prizes, swimming, basketball, and other activities for all the participants. The Jamboree helps provide an opportunity for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges a chance to participate in Little League, to excel in certain facets of the program, and to have fun in an exciting environment.

“Challenger Jamborees, like the West Region Challenger Fun Days in California, create tremendous opportunities for the players in our Challenger Divisions to come together, experience the tournament atmosphere, and create lifelong memories,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Director of the Challenger Division. “We are grateful to Gatorade and Stater Bros. for their support of the Western Region Challenger Fun Days to ensure that all children and their families can have the opportunity to have a fun, meaningful experience on the Little League fields at our Western Regional headquarters in San Bernardino.”

Little League International works closely with its national sponsors to help provide valuable support for local Little League programs around the world, including initiatives like this to support Challenger Division participants and families with free entry to the West Region Challenger Fun Days.

For more information on getting involved with the Challenger Division and making a difference in the lives of young athletes, email challenger@LittleLeague.org.

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