Members of the Oak Ridge Woodlands Area Little League Challenger League were the special guests of The Woodlands High School baseball team and were treated to cheers, hamburgers, high-fives and some great baseball on the fourth annual "Challenger Day" at Scotland Yard.

Before the Highlanders' game with Bellaire, the members of Little League's program for physically and mentally challenged kids were escorted onto the field by members of the Highlander Diamond Darlings. There, they tipped their caps to the crowd when their name was called and received autograph baseballs from the TWHS team. After standing with the Highlander players for the national anthem, the Challenger players headed to the stands to watch the game, pick up their free t-shirts and chow down on their lunches provided by Burger King and Johnny Rockets.

The annual Challenger Day is just part of the Highlander baseball team's relationship with the Challenger League. The Woodlands players attend the Challenger League's games on Saturday mornings where they serve as coaches and buddies for their younger counterparts.

"It gives our guys the opportunity to give back to the community," TWHS coach Ron Eastman said of his squad's participation with the Challenger League.

The Highlander's involvement with the league dates back four years ago when Eastman asked the booster club for ideas on community service. Will Lehmann, father of former TWHS standout and current Rice player Danny Lehmann, was instrumental is forming the connection between the two and now current Highlander parent, David Goldschmidt is the Home Run Club's Challenge League Coordinator.

 

Eastman said that helping out with the Challenger League has a profound effect on his team. "It's a pretty humbling experience," he said. "The little ones idolize those guys when they get out there. Our guys get to see how blessed they are to get to play the game of baseball and have great abilities and great health. It helps keep them grounded." The Highlander players also have a big impact on the players they help out. "It's fabulous. They're very inspiring to kids that have disabilities," said Mike McNamara whose son Trevor plays in the Challenger League. "It's absolutely fabulous that the community supports the Challenger program. There is a wealth of blessings in this community and to share them is great." Trevor, who plays on the Rangers team, said he enjoyed being on the field with the Highlanders and that he likes playing baseball. "(I like) throwing the ball," he said, "and I do like hitting." The McNamara's love of the national pastime extends to going to Astros baseball games where Trevor likes to get the cotton candy.

Seth Dalton, 7, center, poses for a photo with Shelby Robin, 17, before he and his Challenger League teammates were introduced before the start of The Woodlands Highlanders baseball game at Scotland Yard on Saturday. (Staff photo by JERRY BAKER)

"I take him to Astros games and even though he's autistic, he understands the game," said the elder McNamara. "He loves it. When we go to Astros games, he gets more vocal than most. He learned that from his dad."


Baseball and the Challenger program has also helped Scott Thompson and his son Logan, who plays for the Astros team and has a mild form of autism.

"We wanted him to build social skills and it's helped a lot," said the elder Thompson.

Logan said his favorite part of baseball is batting and that he had "fun" being out on the field with the Highlanders. His father said that The Woodlands' participation really helps out the Challenger program.

"We average about 15 kids and one coach so it's hard and they definitely help," said Thompson. "They help teach them skills and the kids are excited to see them."

Eastman agreed with Thompson that the Challenger kids look forward to seeing the Highlanders.

"Those kids expect them to be there and its a big part of their week for them to be a part of it," he said.

For more information on ORWALL's Challenger League, please visit www.OrwallChallenger.com