Challenger field needs work

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Updated: November 16, 2011 1:19PM

We all face challenges in our lives, but some youngsters face them every day.

Whatever the disability might be, the chance to be a part of a “regular” sports team is slim or none.

That’s why the Challengers baseball program, under the umbrella of Little League Baseball, has been in our area since 1994. It gives every sports-minded kid who wants to play baseball that chance.

It matters not how fast or slow you run or if you hit the ball two feet or 200 feet. Even those in wheelchairs still can “run” the bases.

What a perfect time to teach youngsters about taking turns, spatial relationships, eye-hand coordination, listening skills and following patterns, while having fun and being cheered on for each accomplishment.

The Challenger coaches, officials and organizers are volunteers, but they couldn’t be more committed if they were earning salaries. The local program recruits sponsors for equipment, uniforms and all other expenses.

The league runs from May through July, and the State Park Field has been home for the Challengers, serving children from 5 to 21 with interleague games and practices.

As grateful as the Challengers are for use of the field, it needs a complete makeover so athletes with physical disabilities and others can field a ball or run the bases safely, and have handicapped-accessible dugouts and restrooms. In fact, a new field would be a safer place for all Little Leaguers.

Joe Petrovich said they have been blessed with wonderful sponsors for their Challenger teams. His son, Andy, has been a proud player many years.

The cost of making this dream a reality is $370,000, of which about half has been raised. Andy is so excited that he told his dad he wanted to raise $10,000 for the field — so they are.

They hope many of us will help Andy and his Challenger friends have their Field of Dreams for next season. His face beams when he talks about running by himself on a new field.

So, my challenge to you is to consider being a part of their challenge by sending a donation to Andy at 980 Portage Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304. Checks can be made out to State Park League-Challenger Field.

For more information, call Joe Petrovich at 983-1477 or email him at joseph.petrovich@comcast.net.

Thanks for caring.

If you were driving on U.S. 30 or Indiana 49 on Saturday during the procession from Valparaiso to Chesterton for a soldier who died a hero, you couldn’t help but be sad and say a prayer for his family.

Army Spc. James Butz returned to his Chesterton home for the last time, but not the way his parents wanted to welcome him. This beautiful young man gave his life to try and save others — and he did — by giving his life to save our freedoms.

I don’t think you could count on one hand the number of Americans who want war to continue. But men like James Butz deserve to be honored because they put themselves in harm’s way in the belief that every human being should live without fear of tyranny.

I pray that soon, every active military member will come home to stay. God grant all of those who loved James, especially his parents, peace in knowing that he died doing what he believed in and loved, and pride in the way he lived.