Champions Baseball, the baseball league for children and adults with special needs, opens its 19th season on Saturday, Feb. 23 with play continuing through Saturday, May 18, 2019. All games start at 9 a.m. and are held on the baseball fields at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress. Registration is free and open season long at www.championspony.com.
More than 120 players annually participate in the modified baseball program, which stresses fun, physical development and social skills for all regardless of disability. Players come from Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Stanton, Westminster and Yorba Linda.
“We are thrilled to offer one of the leading free organized sports programs for children and adults with special needs locally,” said Jon Peat. “We have a very loyal following of players, volunteers and sponsors who make Champions a ‘big league’ success. And we’re always looking to grow. Thanks to the City of Cypress, Cypress Pony Baseball and the community at large we look forward to a terrific season.”
Champions Baseball is made possible through the generous support of community sponsors including the Boeing Employee Community Fund, Los Alamitos Race Course, Cypress Rotary and Play-It-Again Sports Los Alamitos. Additional sponsors are welcomed and should contact Champions Baseball volunteer Ben Singer at (562) 810-3463 or at benjaminsinger31@gmail.com.
Players registering receive a full uniform – pants, team jersey, hat, belt – as well as team and individual photo. A limited amount of baseball equipment is available for loan for children who cannot afford their own baseball gloves. All will also receive a trophy at the season’s end, which includes an annual barbecue.
“We believe nothing should get in the way of every child and young adult enjoying the greatest game of all,” added Champions Manager Sherman Havelaar. “Many of our players have been with us for several seasons. They’ve learned fundamentals and perform at a very high level while always having fun.”
For more information on Champions Pony Baseball in Cypress, contact Jon Peat at 714-713-5153 and jonpeat@att.net or Sherman Havelaar at 714-904-4742 and shehavelaar@yahoo.com.