Irvine PONY Baseball is proud to announce the formation of a new league, the Champions League. The newest league in the Irvine PONY family is for children with special needs. The Champions league was unanimously adopted at the PONY Baseball and Softball International Board of Directors on October 13, 2009.
WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW IRVINE PONY LOGO APPARREL ITEM IRVINE PONY WILL DONATE10% OF THE PROCEEDS TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!
To provide every child regardless of special needs the opportunity to participate in America’s favorite pastime of baseball and softball. It is our goal to provide an environment that enhances the participants’ self-esteem, physical mobility, and embodies the spirit of teamwork and community.
1. All participants between the ages of 4 and 23 years old, or who remain in a school setting, with special needs that would prevent them from playing in a traditional baseball or softball program.
2. The “Buddy” system will be allowed and encouraged in both levels of play. These buddies will assist their player catch, field, and throw; and as necessary, get around the bases. These buddies can be traditional participants of baseball and softball, family or community members.
While many of our leagues have had some type of Champions League for years, PONY has officially organized this opportunity for children with special needs. The new division was hosted by Major League Baseball and debuted at the 2009 All Star game Fanfest activities in St. Louis, Missouri. Abraham Key, President and CEO was present to kick off the activities. This new division was approved by the International Board at its Executive Committee meeting in March and will officially be a part of the 2010 season. It was developed to help the children with special needs as they pursue their dreams of team sports in one of America's favorite pastimes. PONY has always participated in promoting the development of this type of league through its Friendship games at tournaments around the world---now the Champions become the official division.
Activities for the members of the Champions Division beginning on Sunday, July 12 included playing at the America's Center which hosted Fanfest as well as playing one inning game against the Challengers of the Little League program on Monday, July 13. This one inning game, of course, resulted in a tie score. It was a thrill for them to play in Busch Stadium, to see their names in print, and to see themselves on the video screen that showcases some of Busch Stadiums biggest players. Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn was part of the cheering committee and greeted each player as they reached home plate. The Champions Pledge was written and read by Corey Miller, son of Steve Miller. It will become part of the program as it moves forward.
This particular team that represented the Champions was from Herrin, Illinois, and began five years ago with two players and has now grown to more than 35. The group plays every Thursday night and begins in early spring through summer. Steve Miller, PONY Baseball and Softball, North Zone Vice President, and his family began the program after Steve returned from a tournament in Joplin, Missouri for USA Baseball. He could not imagine that the program would not work in southern Illinois and began to contact the local newspapers, television and radio stations looking for players. Three years later, a second team was developed in southern Illinois as well.
PONY will develop and finalize plans for the language and procedures necessary to create these leagues on an international level. Protect Our Nation's Youth represents all children and young adults regardless of ability.