Updated 02.11.24
The weather in Michigan is so unpredictable when it transitions from winter to spring. But one thing’s for sure, the adaptive baseball season will be starting soon! Opening day is quickly approaching and I couldn’t be more excited!
Caitlin currently plays in the Clinton Valley Little League-Challenger Division. In the past, she played in the Miracle League of Michigan. The two programs are independent of each other but our experiences with each league are similar. Both are fantastic programs that are fun not only for the players but for family and friends too.
It seems that adaptive baseball leagues are available in most large cities in the US so there may be a few to choose from in your area. Based on my experience, here are a few things to consider: We’ve usually signed up with a league that’s close to home. There’s a greater chance that we might know someone and it’s nice to see familiar faces. Also, being close to home cuts down on drive time to the field when games are 1 – 2 days per week. With so many responsibilities already on my plate, time is precious and a lot of driving just adds more stress. Another thing to consider is the level of play that is best for your loved one. Some leagues have divisions of either assisted/buddy play or independent play. And they also divide participants into age groups. Whatever league you choose, the most important thing is to go with what works best for your loved one and family situation.
Learn, Grow and Play while staying Fit
A speech disability makes it strenuous for Caitlin to express what she’s feeling. But actions speak louder than words and watching how engaged she is when playing gives me assurance that she loves it!
She’s gotten really good at batting off a tee. This requires quite a bit of hand/eye coordination and she’s improved so much! She’s more focused on the ball and swings the bat faster and more accurately. It helps that the coach adjusts the tee to the ideal height and distance so she has the best chance of making contact.
Hitting the ball is thrilling! The spectators erupt with loud clapping and cheering and she proudly exclaims “I did it!” through fits of giggles. She thrives on the crowd’s joyful reaction. It gets her pumped-up and motivates her to do her best every time.
Running the bases has to be her most favorite part of the game. As soon as she hits the ball, she does a wheel-screeching 180 degree turn in her walker (she bats left so she needs to turn around before running) and darts down the baseline at top speed. Just before reaching first base, with a firm grip on her walker, she’ll pick up both feet and glide the last few inches. She lands on the base with a powerful stomp as both feet hit the ground as if to firmly declare that she’s safe!
Baserunning is exhilarating for her, but nerve-wracking for me! Fearing the worst, I have a tendency to grab her walker to slow her down. She gets annoyed when people grab her walker. I imagine it feels like someone grabbing your arm and stopping you in your tracks. I certainly wouldn’t like that so I see now why she gets annoyed! I do my best to keep my hands off the walker and jog closely beside her … just in case.
Needless to say, Caitlin gets a ton of exercise for the hour or so that she’s playing. This is a huge benefit because she spends a lot of time sitting due to her physical disabilities. She is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and this limits her endurance and balance which makes it difficult to stay active on her feet for too long. And as a parent I worry about helping her maintain a healthy weight. So when we show up at the field, I know she’ll be moving and getting fit. When she gets tired, there’s plenty of time to rest in the dugout with her friends.
Adaptive Baseball is an enjoyable, social event for the whole family
Caitlin is a social butterfly which is another reason she loves baserunning. It gives her a chance to make the rounds and chat with opponents out in the field. It’s actually great practice for her speech because it gets her talking! She might ask the 1st baseman “What’s your name?” When advancing to the next base she declares “I’ve got to go”! At 2nd base she might ask the shortstop “What are you doing here?” At 3rd base she might ask the coach “What is your job here?” And at home plate she might tell the catcher “I can help with that” and attempt to set up the tee for the next player.
Opportunities for socializing can be few and far between for caregivers/parents. Being involved in an adaptive baseball league is a community and the games are a perfect place to connect with others. I really enjoy visiting with other parents at the games. Most of us are coping with similar issues unique to caring for a person with disabilities. I’m relieved to know I’m not alone and that someone is willing to listen! Sometimes our conversations are very far removed from disability topics and will meander to something more fun and interesting. Having these conversations are a breath of fresh air! It allows my mind to get away from daily thoughts of caregiving. I welcome the escape!
Attending adaptive baseball games is a fun, family affair for us. My in-laws are loyal fans and attend every game. It gives us a chance to spend time with them and catch up. It also gives our son quality time with his sister when he helps her bat and run the bases. My sisters usually come to at least one game a season. They are super busy with their own family activities but we make a point of attending each other’s events as a way to grab time together and support one another. With everyone’s jam-packed calendars, it’s really hard to find the time so sitting on the sidelines together is just a great way to bond with my family.
Many Thanks to those that make Adaptive Baseball available for All
Both Clinton Valley Little League (cvllmi.org) and Miracle League are awesome programs because of the leadership of the directors and commitment of the many volunteers. The directors work tirelessly to keep the leagues organized and running smoothly. They ensure that the facilities are accessible and safe for everyone. And they also work hard to gain support from sponsors and promote awareness in local communities. The volunteer coaches are so patient and do an excellent job helping the players improve their skills. The team moms/dads do an outstanding job of keeping families informed and in the loop.
Everyone should have a chance to shine and the leagues do a terrific job with this. Usually at the end of the last game, the participants are recognized individually for their success during the season. They each receive shiny medals or trophies that they show-off proudly. Sometimes they get goody bags overflowing with treats. Our coach even treated the team for ice cream, yum! It’s so important to celebrate the efforts of each and every player. For Caitlin, when she’s in the spotlight being honored for her achievements, it boosts her confidence and leaves her grinning ear to ear!
But most importantly, the result of all the hard work by so many fosters an environment where people with disabilities are valued and treated with dignity and respect. It gives them a safe place to play and be with their peers with similar abilities. The leagues provide a place where everyone can feel like they belong. Thank you CVLL and Miracle League for giving our loved ones the opportunity to enjoy the game of baseball that includes all abilities!
JoAnn’s journey as a parent and caregiver to an individual with disabilities started when her daughter was born pre-maturely with multiple health issues resulting in cognitive, physical and speech disabilities. Over the years, JoAnn discovered that recreation, travel and social experiences can bring happiness and relief to a life that is often stressful and frustrating. She loves to seek out adaptive, accessible and fun activities for her daughter and the whole family to enjoy. She started the blog www.OurSpecialFunOasis.com to share her uplifting stories and positive ideas to help and to inspire others.
Hi Caitlin…I enjoyed watching you hit the ball ,ran to the bases ! I was in the baseball field watching you running so fast! I was cheering,clapping ,shouting “go go Cait
Enjoyed that day very much! Yes, you Did it ! Hurray Caitlin!
YOU GO GIRL !
LOVE seeing you Caitlin enjoy baseball…running and having a GREAT TIME !
Very well written JoAnn…following your play by play of Caitlin I can almost feel I am there with all of you…seeing her run to home base. Looking forward to your next BLOG !