MASON, Ohio — Cardboard head cutouts, signs of encouragement and a lot of smiling faces were spotted in Mason as the community wished 15 athletes good luck with a parade.
The Mason Challenger League will be playing in the Little League World Series on Saturday.
Susan Murdock, the Mason Challenger League Commissioner, said there are 100 local athletes ranging in age from kids to adults.
“They have all different types of abilities," Murdock said. "What we do is we adapt the game of baseball to their needs. We can do that to each individual because we use a buddy system."
Wednesday, the red carpet was rolled out.
“I’m looking forward to heading down the road, meeting all the people,” Sydney Roderer said. “Overall, I’m just really looking forward to it. It’s bound to be fun!”
Each year, the Little League World Series invites two Challenger League teams to play in a special game. Mason applied, and was invited in 2020, but the pandemic canceled the game for two consecutive years.
Caitlin Kelly, one of the athletes playing in Saturday’s game, said she’s full of excitement.
“I think it’s going to be so fun. To watch my team play baseball. See how they do, and how they improve.”
Dozens of community members lined the streets for Wednesday’s parade. Organizers said the team will leave Thursday, and will arrive in Williamsport, PA, on Friday.
From there, they’ll receive a tour of the Little League Museum, have a practice, meet the team from San Jose, California, and have a picnic.
For parents, like Melissa Schaedig, “There’s almost no words. I can’t wait. So excited. Excited for these kids. It’s kind of living out a dream.”
Roderer said she anticipates having a great time, “I’ve been looking more and more to the trip. I’m really excited to see the sights. Play in the game. Represent Mason, and overall have a good time!”
The Little League World Series will be broadcast on PBS Think TV at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27.
The league is always seeking more volunteers. Organizers are still asking for donations as the league fundraises to build adaptive baseball fields. The fields will be located at Makino Park and will include features designed to improve the safety for players.
The fields will be constructed out of synthetic turf and have no raised surfaces. There will also be large dugouts allowing all teammates to sit together and seating for families to enjoy the game.
You can make a donation to the project and learn more HERE.
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