Division of Recreation Announces Registration for 9th Season of the Special Needs Baseball League, Buddy Baseball! ⭐️⚾️

Posted February 06, 2024

OPENING DAY! Saturday, May 11th! Parade, Ceremony and Opening Day Games! Parade to kick off at 10am!

Applications due no later than Friday, March 8,2024.
  • “Buddy Baseball League” is a program for developmentally and physically challenged youth and adults, ages 4 to adult, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of baseball 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” 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.
  • Mission: To provide children with special needs the opportunity to succeed at playing baseball in a program structured to their abilities.
  • Goal: The most fundamental goal of “Buddy Baseball” is to give everyone a chance to play, regardless of limitations
  • Eligibility: Any Bayonne resident, ages 4 to Adult with a physical or developmental challenge.
  • When and Where: Saturdays: May 11th, May 18th, May 25th, June 1st and June 8th. Games will begin at 10:00am and will last about 45 minutes. Games/teams will be broken down by age and/or grade. Games will be played at the 11th Street Field on Avenue E. * Dates subject to change. Additional dates to be determined.
  • Uniforms: Every player will receive a baseball jersey, baseball pants, baseball socks, and a hat.
  • Games: Games will consist of 2/3 innings. Every player will bat and play the field. Strikes and outs will not be counted.
  • Equipment: Bats, balls, and helmets will be provided. It is recommended players bring baseball gloves. The Division of Recreation will supply gloves to those who do not have one
  • Teams: Each team will consist of 10-12 players.
  • Buddy Program: Buddies will assist players according to their needs. This may include helping a player bat or field the ball, pushing a wheel-chair bound child around the bases or motivating a player
  • Cost: There is no fee to participate in “Buddy Baseball
For more information, please contact Pete Amadeo at 201-858-6129 or email Bayonnerec@aol.com.