Division of Recreation Announces Registration for the 11th Season of the Special Needs Baseball League, Buddy Baseball! 💙⚾️

Posted January 27, 2026
Saturday, May 2nd! Parade, Ceremony and Opening Day Games! Parade to kick off at 10am!

7-Week Program!

Applications due no later than Friday, March 6, 2026.
(when setting up your account, please make sure to add your child's name to the account)

The “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 2nd, May 9th, May 16th, May 23rd, May 30th, June 6th and June 13th. 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.
  • 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 wheelchair 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.