From the sidelines: The Johnston Challenger League
by Ron Byrd

I love talking about kids and sports. Most of my articles about the Johnston Little League are two-dimensional dealing with baseball and softball. But Johnston Little League has a third league in its organization that often goes unnoticed, the Challenger League. Four years ago while serving on the Little League baseball board, Shelly Tyler and Jan Mackie had approached us about starting a league that was designed for special needs children. Being that the only other league of its type was located on the south side of Des Moines, the board jumped at the opportunity to offer baseball for special needs kids on the north side of the city.

The league got under way the first season with around 4-5 kids per team and has grown over the past several years. The league is still under the direction of the baseball board and is headed up by Gary Lang who is the league representative.

A long time friend asked me if I would do a story on the league this year, and I jumped at the chance to see old friends and great kids play baseball. What I wasn't prepared for was how much things had grown and expanded to include kids from neighboring towns.

The games are low key and follow T-ball rules that include everyone getting to bat and run the bases, and there are no outs. Not only do the kids get into the action, but siblings and parents also lace up their shoes for the game.

The kids range in age from 5-15 and all are special needs and can sign up each February when Johnston holds its annual registration drive. League Rep, Gary Lang, has taken the idea and expanded it by giving the kids who are members the opportunity to play sports other than baseball. Lang has worked to get the group a non-profit classification. The group not only plays baseball, but also participates in soccer, bowling and basketball."It's a great way for the kids to get to know one another and play sports year around with friends," said Shelly Tyler who's son Jake has played baseball since T-ball.

Jake is one of my favorite kids to watch play baseball. Each game is his all-star game. Jake likes to play third base and on this particular day, was so excited when running home that he stopped and did a cartwheel as he crossed home plate.

Another player I enjoy watching is Andrew Tubbs who I also have known for years. Andrew's older brother plays baseball in the U10 League with my son and Andrew has hung around the dugout for years. Andrew always has a coaching tip for me during a game and is quick to get the other boys on the team fired up when they need a few runs in the game.

The Challenger League is anything but a challenge. These kids are here to have fun and enjoy playing sports. I was impressed that the game is more a family event, and I for one, think we all need more family time. The league plays its games on Sundays at the Johnston Little League complex and each week a family is chosen to bring treats for all. The kids and parents enjoy their time together and are greatful for the opportunity to play sports.

"Gary has done a great job in putting this all together," said Tyler "and the Urbandale police department has chipped into help us financially which will fund others sports in the feature. Anyone who has a special needs child and wants to join the team should contact the Johnston Little League board or Gary Lang."

The team plays Sundays from 1-2 PM and will conclude their baseball season on the 27th of June and move into the next sport. I enjoyed watching their game and encourage anyone who loves baseball to catch one of their games.

Go Challenger League.

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