PLAY BALL!

NELL’s Challenger Division Takes the Field

Our Community by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Matt Catania

Oh, how the sweet sounds of spring fill the air! Birds are chirping, kids are playing and bats are cracking over at Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL). Baseball season is officially here!

NELL has always been known as a special place in our community where kids of all playing abilities learn to develop their love of the game. But did you know that NELL is also home to our area’s longest-running special needs baseball program called the Challenger Division?

NELL’s Challenger Division has been in existence for over 30 years now. The program was introduced to NELL by life-long Newtown Square resident Joe Catania, whose two special-needs sons, Jimmy and Luke, were inaugural players. Joe, along with his wife Maureen, have been growing the program ever since, and now Jimmy and Luke’s brother Matt, who grew up watching his brothers play Challenger baseball, is not only a coach and steady pitcher, but he also sits on NELL’s Board, representing the Challenger Division.

Matt, Joe, Luke, Jimmy Catania and their #1 fan, Jack Catania

Matt said that the Division’s goal is to give kids with physical and intellectual challenges the opportunity to play ball with their peers.

Our players enjoy being part of a team and playing a game that is structured to meet their specific needs,” he explained. Luke said his teammates help him be a better player. “When we practice together, we learn from each other.

The Challenger Division welcomes players ages 4–21 and is inclusive of all physical and intellectual challenges. Players and their families participate in NELL’s Opening Day Parade and fundraising events, and their baseball season follows NELL’s regular-season schedule. Games are every Sunday at 12pm and spectators are welcome and encouraged. Matt explained that Challenger games are three innings long, with each team batting through their lineup each time. The last batter in each inning circles the bases and tags home before taking the field to play defense.

Just like NELL’s Little League program, the Challenger Division relies heavily on volunteers and participation from community members. “Getting to know these kids and watching them as they work together as a team is truly a gift,” said Matt. Joe said that he has been very fortunate when it comes to volunteers.

People generally reach out directly to me, but we are always looking for more,” he said. “Special Education teachers and coaches are always natural fits.

Several years ago, when Jimmy and Luke aged out of the Challenger Division, the Catanias discovered that there weren’t many athletic programs for special needs adults. Recognizing that need and their sons’ love for the game, the Catanias formed the Challenger Senior League.

Senior League team with their coaches and volunteers

Because we are the only such Senior League around, we attract players from all over the area,” said Matt. “Some players and their families travel over an hour each way to play ball with us.

You’ll find the Challenger Senior League players on the NELL fields every Sunday at 5pm.

The formation of the Senior Challenger League also gives older players the opportunity to be assistant coaches, helpers and mentors for the younger NELL Challenger League. Jimmy said,

The best part of being involved with the Challenger League is being a coach and teaching baseball to younger players.

The Challenger Division, Kings with their coaches

NELL President Daren Grande said that NELL’s Challenger Division is such a success because of the Catania family.

"We are happy to support them and are so proud that other leagues model their programs after ours.” Daren said that it is not only important that these kids have a place to play ball, but that other NELL teams, their families and the community have the opportunity to learn about the special needs community.

1997 NELL Challenger Division team

We are one big family,” said Joe. “We watch these kids grow as players and as friends.

He said that in addition to their regular season of games, the team takes time to have fun at their annual Father’s Day game and the event everyone looks forward to: the end-of-season pool party at Joe and Maureen Catania’s house. Sign me up! I’ll bring the peanuts and Cracker Jacks!